A Child’s Worth

I noticed a trend among some of my family members, taking issue for the lack of protests following the death of Cannon Hinnant. After reading into this tragedy, I’m going to explain why there aren’t any protests in the name of this little boy.

There’s 1) a suspect 2) who has been arrested and 3) is in jail as of this writing and 4) will likely have no representation in court.

Plenty of reasons to mourn, but I’m not seeing why there would be any protests about Cannon Hinnant’s death. Oh, wait, Cannon Hinnant was Caucasian, the suspect is Black. And my family is Caucasian.

We have protests for George Floyd, who was tortured and murdered by police over a matter of $20.

Breonna Taylor was shot eight times by polcie while she was asleep at home.

A 75-year-old man was attacked by police for speaking to them during a riot.

I could list more. I should list more. But I’m tired and weary of the ignorance around me.

Here is my message: If you want a protest for Cannon Hinnant because you’re mad that there are protests for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Philando Castille, Alton Sterling, Michelle Cusseaux, Freddie Gray, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, and too many more names to list, then I suggest you are saying Cannon Hinnant is more important than even this highly abbreviated list.

If you want a level of outrage for Cannon Hinnant equal to the outrage of systemic brutality inflicted upon an entire race, then you might be a racist.

We won’t fix our problems until we admit them. So my family, along with others I know, might be racist.

Does that bother you? Does it bother you that we have so much racism? Does it bother you that I see a hint of Klan solidarity inside you? If it bothers you, then do something about it.

If you want equality, honest equality, then you should demand the police be made to serve and protect, not steal and choke.

Maybe you think this is only about a few bad actors. Except it’s a consistent string of violence inflicted upon the Black population and any potential allies.

Aside from that, you might be mad that Cannon Hinnant was shot. Were you mad when any kids were shot at school in the past twenty years? Were you mad when people were shot in nightclubs or in churches?

Are you mad that children and teachers are being forced to report in person to school during a pandemic?

I’m tired and I’m mad and I know all of you are too. White nationalists are the most violent group in the US and many police officers are members. It’s everywhere and it’s disgusting. Four years ago, I wouldn’t hear anyone around me note pride in their racism. Now I see it all the time.

I’ve had enough of silent white pride and privilege. If you’re mad, ask yourself why.

I’m mad. When I asked myself why, I realized it was because I know way too many racists.

 

 

Links to additional references:

https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2020/know-their-names/index.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52945190