People of Conscience Must Resist

Throughout history authoritarian regimes have used dehumanization as a tactic, utilizing words like “vermin,” or “criminals and rapists” to alienate and “other” fellow human beings. The Race Relations Council of Berrien County (RRC) stands against othering (treating a person or group of people as intrinsically different from and alien to oneself) in all its forms.  We believe in recognizing the value of our differences as well as what we have in common.

In 1947 a German pastor, Martin Niemoller, published a statement of regret for his failure to speak out against the increasingly violent actions of the elected Nazi government. His statement is very relevant for our country today:

“First they came for the socialists and I did not speak out – because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.

Othering leads to chaos and hate and, historically, that has led to concentration camps, mass deportations and even civil wars. Currently, in our country, we are seeing raids where people are being picked up and housed at “Alligator Alcatraz” or flown out of the country to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador. These people are not being offered the due process that they are afforded by the U.S. Constitution. 

Due process is a necessary and important part of American justice. Our country was founded on the idea that the government cannot take away your rights and liberties arbitrarily and that everyone has a right to defend themselves in court. Everyone. 

One of the steps that leads to authoritarianism is spreading disinformation, rewriting history and targeting intellectuals and experts. Today we see book banning happening in our country’s schools, libraries, and universities. Institutions of higher learning are being defunded and penalized. Our Department of Education is being dismantled. Ask yourself why these things are happening. 

As the Race Relations Council of Southwest Michigan, we feel compelled to speak out against discrimination and oppression in all its toxic forms. We are speaking out against the racial profiling, discrimination, and violence that characterizes the current administration’s war on immigrants, and on other groups who have been marginalized and are under siege. Sadly, the color of one’s skin dramatically contributes to one’s vulnerability.  

What can we do? Research studies have suggested that the most important thing we can do is increase the number of people who are resisting. It won’t work unless millions of people are actively committed to being visible.  At least 3.5% of the population needs to be visible - that is approximately 10 million people. Repeatedly visible. Take a stand against othering, discrimination and oppression now so we don’t get to the point where they come for you and there is no one left to speak.

Jacquie Johnson, Benton Harbor

Charmae Sanders, Benton Harbor

Co-Chairs of Race Relations Council of Southwest Michigan