Generational experience has taught us a valuable lesson: when the state builds a weapon for someone else, it will inevitably find its way back to us. This is a lesson that Black people have known for far too long, and recent events have only served to reinforce this truth.
For centuries, Black people have been subjected to violence and oppression at the hands of the state. From slavery to Jim Crow laws to police brutality, the state has consistently used its power to oppress and control Black bodies. And yet, despite this history, the state continues to build weapons and systems that are used to harm and oppress marginalized communities.
Take, for example, the recent protests against police brutality and systemic racism. These protests were met with a militarized response from law enforcement, with police officers armed with military-grade weapons and equipment. This is not a new phenomenon – the state has a long history of arming itself against its own citizens, particularly those who are fighting for their rights and demanding justice.
But what is perhaps most concerning is the fact that these weapons and systems are often built and funded by taxpayers, including Black taxpayers. We are essentially paying for our own oppression. This is a reality that Black people have been aware of for a long time, but it seems that the rest of society is just now waking up to it.
The recent protests have also highlighted the stark contrast between how the state responds to Black protests versus white protests. When white protesters, often armed, stormed state capitols demanding an end to COVID-19 lockdowns, they were met with a relatively peaceful response from law enforcement. But when Black protesters took to the streets to demand an end to police brutality, they were met with tear gas, rubber bullets, and other forms of violence.
This stark contrast is a clear indication of the systemic racism that exists within our society. The state is more than willing to use violence against Black people who are fighting for their rights, but when white people protest, they are treated with kid gloves. This is a clear example of how the state’s weapons and systems are used to uphold and perpetuate white supremacy.
But despite this reality, Black people have continued to resist and fight for justice. We have seen this throughout history, from the Civil Rights Movement to the Black Lives Matter movement. We have always known that the state’s weapons and systems are not meant to protect us, but rather to control and oppress us.
And yet, despite this knowledge, we continue to demand change and push for a better future. We know that the state will not willingly give up its power and dismantle these systems of oppression. It is up to us, as a community, to continue to fight for justice and demand accountability from those in power.
The recent protests have also shown the power of solidarity and allyship. We have seen people from all walks of life come together to demand an end to police brutality and systemic racism. This is a testament to the fact that change is possible when we stand together and fight for a common cause.
But we must also acknowledge that this fight is far from over. The state will continue to build weapons and systems that are used to oppress and control marginalized communities. It is up to all of us to remain vigilant and hold those in power accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the recent events have once again highlighted the fact that the state’s weapons and systems are not meant to protect us, but rather to control and oppress us. Black people have known this for far too long, and it is time for the rest of society to wake up to this reality. We must continue to fight for justice and demand accountability from those in power. Only then can we truly create a more just and equitable society for all.
