I, like many of you, was appalled to watch the neo-Nazi march and rally in Virginia, the hatred and violence, and the unchecked entitlement to put something so awful out front for the world to see. The philosophy shared by white supremacists, racists, Nazis and the Alt-right has moved into a place of legitimacy bolstered by the non-actions and implicit support of this administration and others in positions of power. It is becoming clear that we face a multi-faceted problem as we deal with a rise in racist, misogynistic, homophobic and xenophobic behavior. We as a community need to resist this encroachment in a multitude of ways.
At times like these, we want to focus on how we, both individually and collectively, can best address this abhorrent behavior. There may be no way to put the demons back into Pandora’s box, but what we can and must do is to stand firm against all forms of bigotry and hate that we encounter in our own communities and private lives, while making sure that we also do our civic duty to vote, to speak up and to value and support each other.
Keep in mind that there is no magic bullet, no single response to this onslaught of hatred. Fighting racism and hate will be different for individuals, various organizations and community leaders. For example, elected officials, activists, business leaders, educators, will have different ways of addressing this issue — all are valid and needed.
Let’s not fall into the trap of being divided on whose methodology is right. There are many actions that are within our expertise or sphere of influence that we can take every day to stand against hatred. I urge everyone to come together and do their part in protecting and nurturing our shared community.
Please join the NAACP in rallying against hate in the Snohomish County Plaza on Sunday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m.
Dr. Janice R. Greene, president
Snohomish County Branch NAACP
Everett
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