Michael Harriot: Whiteness is a lethal weapon

[Nevilledog]

https://thegrio.com/2024/12/16/whiteness-is-a-lethal-weapon/


“We should stop by the police station,” I told my mom. “I know it’s only my first day, but there’s probably some forms we need to fill out.”

As she burst into laughter, I remained serious. I had just finished my first class at Master Robinbson’s Martial Arts Dojo and, as a diligent, law-abiding 10-year-old, I wanted to make sure I was in compliance with all local and federal statutes. I explained that we should probably fill out the necessary paperwork before someone forced me to use my newly acquired skills. I assured her that I would never bring shame upon my family, our community or my new karate master.

“I have no idea what you are talking about, Mikey,” my mother said. “What paperwork do you need to fill out?” Apparently, she had never heard about the commonly known legal obligation required of all boxers, military assassins and practitioners of the deadly art of kung fu. Yet, for some reason, my answer made her laugh even harder:

“I have to register my hands as a lethal weapon.”

This story is about whiteness.

This story is about privilege. It’s also about power. In fact, this story is about the greatest power, the whitest privilege and the most lethal weapon in America. More than anything, this story is about reasons.

*snip*

[Prairie Gates]

1. Are we stilll going with "whiteness" as a concept?

It's not clear that it explains all that much, and it certainly manages to alienate tons of people. Seems like kinda a loser. I understand that people who are attached to it are going to stick with it for a while, but it's not great.

[Sympthsical]

2. Michael Harriot has written this article 50 times already

And as long as the 51st, 52nd, 53rd, etc. continue to pay, he'll write it again.

It's kind of his thing.

His entire thing.

[Solly Mack]

3. I enjoy reading Michael Harriot.

K&R