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On Wednesday, I looked at the ugliness unfolding in our capital and what did I see? Racism. Colonization. Slavery.
They manifested in my mind’s eye as I witnessed the fear and desperation of those who have chosen to embrace the myth of white supremacy.
This is not and has never been just about an election.
It is not about Democrat vs. Republican, left vs. right.
In our recent history, this society and many other parts of the world have undertaken the painful and beautiful struggle for a more dignified human existence. This struggle was raised by our ancestors who fought for sovereignty, for civil rights, for recognition as human beings in the face of the tide of white supremacy that swept across our lands in the forms of colonization and slavery. This struggle has been carried forward by every generation since. While we remain far from the equitable, accountable and just society we should be, this struggle has changed the world and will continue to do so.
And it is this very struggle toward a more dignified human existence that threatens those who do not believe that all humans deserve the same dignity.
Looking this reality in the face — the fact that people capable of rational thought truly embrace white supremacy and either directly or passively continue to support systems of power that perpetuate white supremacy — is a painful and raw experience.
And yet, this sickness that remains pervasive in our society is now on full display so that in facing this reality, we might now address it and renew the process of healing and making our society better.
Because whether those who stormed the Capitol on Wednesday in an attempt to deny the voices of American citizens want to believe it or not, we are on a trajectory toward a more dignified human existence for all. This moment in time will not reverse our trajectory.
As tragic as this moment in time may be, I believe that it will result in a reckoning that reinvigorates our important collective work of becoming better. We all have a stake in this effort, and we all must contribute.
So, my friends, let’s get to work. There is so much to do.
Katya Gray is Iñupiaq, currently residing in Nome.
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