Here is a brief translation of what folk actually mean when they oppose our resistance:
1. “We need unity. You are causing division.”
Translation: Silence your dissent.
2. “You are overreacting. Things won’t be that bad.”
Translation: “My privilege isolates me from any known harm. Oh yeah, and silence your dissent.”
3. “Just pray for our leaders.”
Translation: “Silence your dissent.”
4. “You are not acting like an American.”
Translation: “I am conveniently forgetting that this nation was born in protest. I am also conveniently forgetting that I have been outspoken and protesting continuously for the last eight years because things are the way I want them now.”
“Oh, and silence your dissent.”
5. “You’re racist.”
Translation: “I am deflecting. I am a racist. Silence your dissent.”
6. “Jesus and Dr. King would not approve.”
Translation: “I prefer my Jesus and Dr. King nice and sanitized, without all that turning over tables and shutting cities down stuff. Silence your dissent.”
7. “People change. Give him a chance.”
Translation: “My cognitive dissonance won’t allow me to see what is actually taking place. I despise you for pointing out the inconsistencies between my beliefs and reality. Silence your dissent.”
8. “Shut up and stop your complaining!”
Translation: “I’m a mean and insensitive person. Silence your dissent.”
Friends, don’t silence your dissent.
Resist.
Stay woke.
Keep speaking up.
Keep standing up for justice.
“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.