July 5, 2015
A Flag is Not Enough
By Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
(TriceEdneyWire.com) – As a native of the south, I’m familiar with past and present structures of social interaction common to the region. In fact, I’m quite adept at assessing those areas in the region whose residents still cling to relational interactions that can only be described as superior/inferior. In other words, when those Whites who’re so inclined can enforce that pattern of that relationship, either through coercion or fear, they typically do so with relish and enthusiasm.
Such is the case with the assailant at the Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, SC. I won’t give honor to the assailant's name, his martyrdom or his potential copycats. Although he's been determined to be a lone gunman, his act was done in representation of the will of thousands across this nation. This is the tragedy of the state of current race relations in our nation.
Fortunately, the shock and guilt generated from the heinous act of violence at Mother Emanuel has put the thinking of reasonable people on a common tract towards common sense. The hue and cry for the elimination of symbolic racism has been received with great appreciation among those who have dedicated themselves to civil rights and social justice. We express gratitude to those decision-makers who, in the wake of the recent massacre that is connected so closely to symbolic racism, have decided to remove these symbols of subjugation and oppression from public display.
BUT...After the expressions of gratitude and the ceaseless issue of laudatory statements from commentators, what is the ultimate result? Other than the feel-good effect, how will the removal of these symbols impact on our daily lives?
In truth, although it’s been unpleasant, we Black folks have been living with these symbols all of our lives. Although some have lived in fear, all have lived with the realization that these symbols represent the sentiments of some of the most vile and objectionable creatures on Earth. We’ve always known there to be "bad white folks," but we’ve always had the knowledge that there were also "good white folks" - even if they were far and few between.
In the process of living, most of us have tried to minimize our interaction with the bad and cultivate, to whatever extent possible, our relationships with the good. Intrinsically, we’ve understood that we would not be the instrument of the diminishment of racism. Unfortunately, but rightly, the task of policing the oppressor is a task that must be accomplished by his own - those of good will. I’ll take this opportunity to expand the vision of those of good will.
Although removing the symbols of racism is commendable, its tangible effect is minimal. I would suggest that along with or instead of removing any flag, offer legislation that reverses the national effort to suppress the votes of minorities and the poor. Expand the right to vote in order to more clearly understand the voice of those who live outside the boundaries of privilege. Stand in support of the ideology that led to the founding of the nation - Justice for all!
Instead of supporting tax policies that further enrich the wealthy, let them pay their fair share. Reject the temptation to follow the bidding of the corporate complex whose only interest is increasing profits and reducing the impact of corporate or social competitors. Instead of perpetuating an adversarial relationship between workers and employers, assure a higher national standard of living by raising the Federal minimum wage.
Although we’ll receive a feel good moment from the elimination of the visual symbols of racism and oppression, there are more substantive expressions of movement to greater freedom for all.
Put simply, removal of a flag is not enough, and we must not be distracted by its removal.
(Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of the National Congress of Black Women. www.nationalcongressbw.org. 202/678-6788)