It’s hard to believe that the “racial reckoning” that took place after George Floyd’s murder was just over five years ago. The backlash against the brief period where discussions of systemic racism, the realities of the cruelty and legacy of racially-based exploitation and oppression, and any programs that were created to correct inequalities has been strong and thorough. Between the person who 77 million people voted to return to the White House — despite his conviction of 34 felonies and guilt of sexual assault — the slim GOP majority in Congress; a cabinet of woefully unqualified, insecure, eternally angry White men and their allies; and the built-in conservative majority at the Supreme Court, the dismantling of what over 75 million people who voted for Kamala Harris viewed as social and economic progress has been swift and forceful. The multi-pronged, heavy-handed, hostile efforts to eradicate many outlets for assistance, knowledge, understanding and consideration of multiple perspectives has made it extremely difficult for the country to move forward.
The slash-and-burn approach of revoking funding, firing anyone knowledgeable or who dares to mention the fact that anyone besides White men contributed or invented anything (that they don’t want to exploit, enjoy or profit from) has come across as brutal domination and a hostile force. Many people, who were already marginalized, feel that they are literally under attack from a government they did not vote for. It’s as if a foreign enemy is marching through and destroying everything in its path. There is no room for dialogue. There is no room for debate. There is no room for dissension or discussion. Malicious erasure and silencing by force is taking place. A scorched earth approach to “winning.” Rather than have everyone compete on an equal level with equal resources and opportunities, insecure White men’s way to “win” is to do everything possible to reduce the competition to emotional, educational and financial rubble.
So, after all books they deem offensive are banned, all forms of media that depict anyone but White men in a positive way are eliminated, all programs that benefit anyone but White men are discontinued, all exhibits and programs that focus on anyone but White men are watered down or destroyed so White men are happy that only their perspective and sensibilities are showcased and uplifted, what excuse will they use for their mediocrity, crassness and woeful ignorance? Once only a small percentage of the opportunities, resources and information are available to anyone who isn’t them, will they finally feel they have enough? History says no. They’ll just proceed to invade other places.
Even though White men make up about 29 percent of the population, many in positions of power seem to think that everyone needs to make everything everywhere about them. They make up almost 90 percent of the Fortune 500 CEOs, 76 percent of the millionaires, and own the six media companies that control 90 percent of the media outlets. Over 73 percent of White people own homes and have amassed over 85 percent of the nation’s wealth. And the list of disproportionate control and wealth goes on. Despite their dominance in so many areas of our society it’s not enough for them. They want to take up even more space — both mental and physical. Benefit from all of the opportunities. Enjoy all of the attention. Because they clearly believe positions of power and influence belong to them only and everyone else who achieves anything of note got there due to special treatment versus talent. They seem to think that the role for everyone else is to serve, comfort or entertain them.
Based on their behavior, it seems that not only do they want to dominate and benefit from all resources and opportunities, they now want to dominate and police other people’s thoughts. If they decide that someone is a martyr, they demand everyone have the same feelings as them. And those who don’t share their sentiments will be downsized, fired, criticized and intimidated. They want everyone to celebrate what they tell them to and mourn what they force them to … or else! So, in addition to having books, museum exhibits, films, TV shows, media outlets, statues and everything else in public spaces be about them and their feelings, they now want to control internal feelings and outward emotion.
These power-wielding, insecure White men who demand hegemony want to have the freedom to insult others at their will while using every lever of government to punish anyone they feel insults them. They believe they should have the freedom to police and control others they deem “dangerous” and get the benefit of the doubt if their actions bring harm — from neighborhood “watch” people to those who cross state lines to enter protests and take the law into their own hands.Their troubles are humanized and they enjoy a freedom to be considered individuals who only represent themselves versus somehow being an example of an entire race. They have the freedom to be considered “disturbed” “mentally ill” “socially maladjusted” versus born criminals. They have the freedom to be hired for jobs for which they are unqualified because of their “potential” or “loyalty” versus being eliminated like everyone else who doesn’t measure up. They have the freedom to be forgiven for mistakes and have their misbehavior brushed off as “boys being boys” compared to others who would be punished for similar behavior. They can be liars, cheaters, molesters, alcoholics and law breakers, and still ascend to the highest levels of power in government and industry. Yet, they still feel it’s not enough. Nothing seems to be enough. Having access to everything is not enough.
Historical and current facts about laws, institutions and social constructs that have worked in their favor don’t matter. Only their feelings and perceptions do. So, if these insecure White men who dominate every metric of “success” feel they are victims who are losing to a small minority of people, then that’s the reality they want everyone to buy into. Because they think everything should always be about and for them, if they don’t win they whine and change the rules. But having more than almost everyone on earth is not enough! Even when they have enormous wealth and power, they complain that they don’t receive enough awards, enough accolades, or sufficient showers of adulation.
One day, when insecure White men learn how to collaborate and not dominate, the Disunited States will become “one nation, under God, indivisible,” but that would take effort and honesty. Unity is elusive or impossible under oppression, coercion and intimidation. The only thing that will be achieved is a fake tolerance based on the need for survival. So, if it makes insecure White men feel “comfortable” by living in a world where they can do and say no wrong, and are constantly given grace no matter how unknowledgeable or low-skilled they are, or how despicable they talk or act, then the most they will receive from others is coerced compliance. People endure them out of necessity and mask a lack of respect with disingenuous compliance and deference. Since it is apparent that everything will never be enough for them, others have no choice but to ignore their tantrums, complaints, threats and attempts at retribution and have to keep moving forward to be their best selves. The insecure man babies can stay mad.
