EAST DUMMERSTON — As the second whitest state in the nation, Vermont is distinctively poised to address the atrocities that were perpetrated in Charlottesville on Aug. 12.
White people, myself included, are responsible for living out what so many of us here preach: anti-racism, acceptance of all religions, and especially taking action to further these ideals.
While Vermont may seem insular in many ways, we are a part of this country, and we are a part of its lackluster and abhorrent (to say the least) response to racism. Vermont's constitution, written in 1777, was the only such document that included an abolition provision prior to the final days of the American Revolution; however, the provision was ignored by some Vermonters who chose to continue owning slaves until 1853 or after.
It goes without saying that even when slavery officially ended in this state, people of color continued, and continue, to struggle with a deeply racist system and society in infinite ways.
The rally in Charlottesville was, sadly and disgustingly, not unique; it was a droplet in a sea of racism and anti-Semitism that stretches centuries into the past and that most definitely exists today.
The responses to the rally, on the other hand, have been notably unique. Outrage and itching for action seem to be two of the strongest sentiments shared by those who oppose the rally; let's do something with that. Let's respond, and let's preemptively act.
There are more than 50 white supremacist rallies planned around the country on Sept. 9, purposefully planned close to 9/11 in order to exploit the tragedy of that day and heighten anti-Muslim rhetoric. The closest planned rallies are in Boston and Sagamore, Mass., and New Haven, Conn.
Let's show up to these rallies and outnumber the racist, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic bigots who will be there. Let's preemptively act by engaging in difficult discussions, working to change how law enforcement interacts with people of color, forming groups to plan ways to move forward, lobbying our congresspeople, addressing racism/Islamophobia/bigotry of any form when we see it from others and within ourselves, and so much more.
What happened in Charlottesville was part of a despicable pattern; there are numerous movements addressing this pattern, and we must dedicate ourselves to changing its course.