Racism Is a Cancer!
Racism Is a Cancer!
Once again the world saw a tragedy in the U.S. when an African-American life was lost to a racist act committed by a police officer in the Powderhorn community of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The murdered victim’s name was George Floyd. The footage shows him on the ground while his neck was pressed against by the knee of a police officer ignoring George’s proclamations of “I can’t breathe!” Unfortunately, this shocking scene is all to familiar for people of color and indicates a history racism; it still challenges equality and justice and has become a recurring problem in this country!
As Iranian-American, we condemn this shameful and unacceptable act of pure racism, brutality, and atrocity, and express our condolences and sympathy to the Floyd family. We believe all those involved directly or indirectly must be brought to justice for this terrible crime!
Dr. Martin Luther King once said, “Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away, and that in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.”
He said this more than half a century ago. Are we any closer to his wishes?
We saw the rise of a movement back in 2013 under the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting and murder of African-American teen Trayvon Martin.
Was that closer to Dr. King’s wishes?
How is it possible to completely end racism in the U.S. when those who hold the highest power of the land call the killers of Heather Heyer, a young woman who was murdered while protesting racism in Virginia, “some fine people”?
However, thanks to the efforts of civil society forces and human rights activists improving laws and promoting societal empathy and understanding, we are fortunately in a better situation than in the past that encourages us to finish this historical attempt to end racism. Racism is like a cancer that we need to treat and completely wipe it away from the society.
Meanwhile the public has seen footage of looting by some opportunistic individuals and extremists from both the right and left. We support peaceful protest and condemn any act of violence, looting, destruction of houses, stores, and public properties. Additionally, we think President Trump failed to take the correct and necessary actions as mandated by the Constitution and incited already angry protestors toward rioting. He should stop using this crisis for his political agenda and his election campaign.
We need to reform the law enforcement system and improve police acts in public safety. It is time for the people of the U.S. from all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, faith groups, and political orientations to mobilize and organize campaigns to demand justice, reform in police behavior, condemn the misuse of power, and finally find an effective “cure” for this cancerous tumor to empower solidarity, unity, and diversity in the U.S.
Association of DC Iranians for a Republic
June 3, 2020
DC@iranian-Republic.org
