Peace. We are taught to collude in our own oppression. How? By treating those who profile as mass shooters like normal human beings. Why? So as to not "trigger" them into becoming violent.
So, instead of avoiding those who profile as mass shooters, we tell ourselves, "I am not a victim. I am not going to live in fear. I refuse to let them know how I truly feel about them. I am going to straighten my back and treat them the way I want to be treated. No fear is freedom!"
Well, treating our open oppressors as if they are not our open oppressors is not helping us stop the oppression.
I say, and I say again, we all must choose to go on our healing journeys - out of this colonial mindset.
Period.
The article highlights a critical issue: the way society often normalizes individuals who profile others, especially those who fit the profile of mass shooters, by avoiding confrontation to prevent triggering violence. This approach, while well-intentioned, ultimately perpetuates oppression by refusing to acknowledge the reality of the threat and the fear it causes. Recognizing this dynamic is essential in addressing the root causes of societal fear and division. The OCR image quote points to a profound social observation: fear is not inherently linked to specific racial or religious groups but is often directed toward symbols associated with certain ideologies or historical contexts. For example, a person with a Confederate flag sticker or certain nationalistic emblems may evoke fear due to their connections to past and present forms of systemic oppression. This fear is rooted in historical and ongoing experiences of marginalization and violence. Healing from this state requires a conscious choice to embark on a journey away from inherited colonial mindsets that have long justified and reinforced oppression. Colonialism imposed a worldview that dehumanized certain groups while privileging others, creating lasting social divisions and internalized oppression. Overcoming this legacy involves community healing, empathy, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. To foster peace and true freedom, communities must openly acknowledge oppression and address profiling honestly. This includes challenging societal norms that encourage suppressing fear and discomfort in favor of superficial civility. By validating emotions and experiences related to oppression and fear, individuals can better understand and dismantle systemic inequalities. Furthermore, education and dialogue play pivotal roles in this healing process. Encouraging conversations about historical context, systemic biases, and the impact of profiling can lead to greater awareness and solidarity. Also important is promoting policies and practices that dismantle structural oppression and reduce the real threats that cause fear in public spaces. In summary, breaking the cycle of oppression and fear is a collective responsibility. It requires honest recognition of the impact of profiling, a commitment to healing colonial mindsets, and proactive efforts to create inclusive, safe communities where freedom means living without fear of profiling or violence.
