White Privilege Rides Again

This coup isn’t just about Trump supporters—it’s about all of us

Two main ideas stand out in the aftermath of the White anxiety–fueled attempted coup of the U.S. government on January 6, 2021. One is that, as Joy Ann Reid stated, “White Americans are not afraid of the cops.” That much is clear, as it is also clear via video (and subsequent interviews with at least one leader of a big city police union) that some police were on the side of the terrorists. The second point is that — like all White violence — this is not an isolated incident, the issue isn’t over, and it will most likely happen again.

Fear is a fascinating motivator, and the folks who ransacked the Capitol are full of it. Their racial anxiety and rage has collectively led to this moment, this year, this decade, and the whole of the history of the United States. That said, though many of Trump’s supporters are clearly afraid of Black and Brown people, enfranchisement, and land ownership, as well as Black cultural, scientific, and political achievements and contributions, they certainly aren’t afraid of punishment. If they were, they would not have worn their work badges to the riot or posted video of the things they stole.

They literally did not expect to get in trouble, they didn’t care, and they knew they already had the support of law enforcement.

Or maybe the appearance of being half-baked, slightly stupid, yet cocksure is part of the plan. It would be foolish for folks to…