As I sit to write about President Biden’s decision to designate the site of the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois as a national monument, I can’t help but be filled with conflicting emotions and thoughts. The fact that such a significant and heartbreaking event in our nation’s history isn’t widely known is a stark reminder of the deliberate erasure of certain narratives. It’s unsettling to realize that there are countless other instances of racial violence and oppression that have been swept under the rug, waiting to be brought to light.
The term “race riot” feels like a gross understatement when referring to what happened in Springfield.… Continue reading
Michele Bachmann’s recent claim that Tim Walz signed a ‘hate white people’ law in Minnesota is not only baseless but also a dangerous display of ignorance. It seems that Bachmann’s relevancy hinges on her ability to spew divisive rhetoric that plays on fear and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. To suggest that acknowledging the systemic racism and oppression that have plagued our society is equivalent to teaching hate towards white people is not only absurd but also incredibly harmful.
It is clear that Bachmann’s comments are a desperate attempt to appeal to a certain segment of the population that thrives on fear-mongering and misinformation.… Continue reading
She called for help, and we failed. These words from the sheriff ring hollow in the face of the horrific tragedy that unfolded. It wasn’t just a failure to respond adequately; it was a blatant act of violence that ended in the senseless death of an innocent woman. The lack of accountability and justice in this situation is appalling.
The hiring of a known dirty cop, with a history that should have raised red flags, reflects a systemic issue within law enforcement. How does someone with such a troubled past slip through the cracks and end up with a badge and a gun?… Continue reading
The recent incident in Milwaukee where a Black man was pinned to the ground by hotel security guards, ultimately leading to his death, has once again ignited a storm of emotions and comparisons to the tragic death of George Floyd. The video footage captured by a bystander showed the man, Joel Acevedo-Malpica, in a prone position on the ground with four security guards restraining him, one of whom knelt on his back, reminiscent of the position George Floyd was held in before his untimely death in Minneapolis.
The disturbing similarities between these two incidents bring to light the deep-rooted issues within our society when it comes to the use of excessive force against Black individuals.… Continue reading
When Trump uttered the words “Hello from my Black job” during the recent debate, it sent shockwaves through America. His blatant racism was on full display, yet again. The term “black jobs” seemed to perpetuate a stereotype that certain roles are reserved for people of color, specifically black Americans. In his narrow-minded view, these jobs are menial and low-paying, reinforcing negative racial biases. It’s a sad reality that in the 21st century, we still have a man in a position of power who holds such prejudiced beliefs.
The aftermath of Trump’s baffling remark saw a surge of black Americans defiantly sharing photos of themselves at their workplaces.… Continue reading
As a human being, it is incomprehensible to fathom the depths of evil and depravity that exist in some individuals. The recent case of a West Virginia couple charged with trafficking their adopted Black children to be used as ‘slaves’ is beyond abhorrent. The fact that these innocent children were found locked in a barn with no basic necessities is truly heartbreaking. The sheer cruelty and disregard for human life displayed by the couple is nothing short of monstrous.
The defense of the couple, claiming that they cannot be bad people because they adopted five Black children, is nonsensical and repugnant.… Continue reading
As I sit and reflect on the recent incident involving an ‘Ole Miss’ student making monkey noises towards a Black woman during pro-Palestine protests, I am filled with a combination of disgust and disappointment. It is disheartening to see such overt displays of racism and ignorance still persisting in our society. The fact that this behavior occurred on a campus known for previous racist incidents is even more troubling.
It is alarming to see how deep-rooted and pervasive racist attitudes are, not only among the students involved but also among those in positions of power who condone or even support such behavior.… Continue reading
As a white individual living in America, I am no stranger to the concept of privilege. I have seen firsthand the advantages that society often affords me based on the color of my skin. However, when I hear statements from President Trump claiming that there is a bias against white people in the United States that may be worse than racism against black individuals, I am left feeling bewildered and outraged.
The notion that white people face systemic bias on par with the deep-seated racism endured by black Americans is not only false but incredibly harmful. It undermines the struggles and injustices that people of color continue to face every day in this country.… Continue reading
As I read the heartbreaking news about the LAPD officer who will not face criminal charges in the killing of a 14-year-old girl at a store during a police confrontation with a suspect, I feel a surge of anger and frustration. The sheer injustice of the situation is mind-boggling, to say the least. The fact that a young life was senselessly taken and no one is being held accountable for it is beyond comprehension.
The excuse that there wasn’t enough time to assess the situation and that it was a “tragic but unforeseeable accident” is nothing short of an insult to our intelligence.… Continue reading
Chaya Raichik, a name that has now become synonymous with stumbling over the definition of “wokeness”, left sputtering and embarrassed as the audience burst into laughter when asked to clarify what exactly the term means. It’s amusing to watch these right-wing figureheads grasping at straws when it comes to defining a word that they use so freely in their rhetoric. The irony is palpable, as Raichik, a spokesperson for the hate-filled ideology of the far-right, fumbles over a simple question that she should be well-prepared to answer.
The term “wokeness” has become a buzzword for conservatives to rally against anything that challenges their privileged status quo.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood