USA, founded on rebellion that worked
To separate Us from tyranny.
So We created a new system of tyranny,
A system built on White people enslaving,
No, taking hostage,
Entire groups of people based on their ethnicity and the color of their skin.
A system built on White people exterminating, rounding up, and driving out
The people who already lived on and cared for this land.
A system built on White people dictating how the country would work.
Now, You resist this system of tyranny.
Not just now, forever since the founding of this new tyranny.
You resist.
You’re free, We say.
We’ve been good to you.
How dare you try to overturn this system of tyranny?
You’re anti-American.
Then, I too must be anti-American.
The difference is: I can rebel because I am White.
As a White person, as a woman, I pose little threat to the system that We/They have created.
That’s what They think, so They look the other way when I protest.
They turn look the other way when I run past, exercising, enjoying the freeing rush of fresh air.
They turn look the other way when I drive, breaking traffic laws or not.
My skin color does not automatically make me a rebel.
They only know I resist the system when I protest.
If I don’t use my voice, my body, my actions to resist,
Then They don’t know I am a rebel.
I can choose when, where, and how to resist based on my circumstances.
You can’t rebel because the system identifies you as “not-White.”
You are Black, Indigenous, People of Color.
You pose so much threat to the system We have created.
That’s what They think, so They watch skeptically,
Act violently when you protest,
When you run past, exercising, enjoying the freeing rush of fresh air.
When you drive, breaking traffic laws or not.
Your skin color automatically makes you a rebel.
We/They know you resist the system when you go about your day, living your life.
If you don’t use your voice, your body, your actions to resist,
Then We/They still know that you are a rebel.
You cannot choose when, where, and how to resist based on your circumstances.
The tyranny marches on.
Regardless of your actions, your very existence makes you a threat to the system.
Silence them, They say.
Extinguish them, They think, act, do.
I say No.
As a woman, as a White person, I will not let this happen.
I promise to use my voice, my body, my actions, my positions of power to resist the system system that continues to keep you hostage under the guise of freedom.
I will rebel every chance I get.
I see you.
I hear you.
I fight with and for you.