COLUMN: Capitol siege highlights white power structure

White supremacy, by definition, is the belief that white people constitute a superior race and should, therefore, dominate society, typically to the exclusion or detriment of other racial and ethnic groups, in particular black or Jewish people. White supremacy is institutionalized and has been for centuries in this country. It has long-lasting effects, which we still see today throughout institutions including law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and the education system. White power, however, is actively and violently perpetuating the idea that the white, straight, predominantly male, middle to upper class, Christian population is at the top of the social hierarchy. White power is exactly what prevailed at the Capitol last Wednesday.

White power is knowing that law enforcement is practically on your side, no matter how violent and radical your ideas are. When hundreds broke into the Capitol building and marched through the halls with Confederate and Trump 2020 flags, domestic terrorists clashed with the Capitol police. Demonstrators tormented law enforcement and fought back, while few were hurt and the building was cleared soon after. 

White power is the mere thought of storming the most important government  building in this country during a monumental tradition in American history in effort to reclaim a lost election that has been recounted multiple times. Other activist groups that are inclusive to all people wouldn’t even think to break into the Capitol due to the amount of bloodshed and violence that would be awaiting them. 

White power is taking advantage of the fact that this country is deeply rooted in the supreme authority and predominance of people who look like you and the dehumanization and discrimination of people who don’t look like you. White power is screaming “Blue Lives Matter” when police are held accountable for their violent racism, but intimidating and resisting police when they hold you accountable for your violent actions against Democracy. White power is preformed in small towns like Monroe everyday, as well as in the House and Senate chambers during anti-American riots.