As I continue to ponder the Buffalo massacre, I continue to think about how we can prevent such hateful, deadly acts. There are so many ways to prevent carnage like this, and we have to promote these changes.
Gun registry
For too long, we've allowed too many people to own deadly guns and other war weapons without needed oversight. We can create a gun registry that regulates gun ownership in ways that lead to greater safety. A gun registry could ensure that the people who own guns are ready to be responsible with guns. There could be age restrictions, testing, insurance requirements, regulations about the types of guns allowed, and laws guiding gun use. This would regulate a business that is now dangerous and destructive in American society.
Work against Racism
It's clear, racism kills. That's been the truth forever. Yet, as a nation, we have not done what we can do to counter racism. Clearly, we have to educate ourselves and each other about the deadly repercussions and lost potential racism creates. We have to remake our organizations and institutions in ways that counter the systematic racism inherent in those organizations and institutions. Similarly, we have to scrutinize media for racism and rid our media channels of people, images, words, and actions that promote greater racism.
Outlaw White Supremacy
We need to outlaw white supremacist groups, symbols, online platforms, language, and recruiting. White supremacy is a racist way of being, and that's a way of being that kills and harms others. We must outlaw all that is related to deadly white supremacy and foster more inclusive communities that embrace diversity as a strength. Also, every public servant needs to be trained to behave and speak in antiracist ways. Racist public servants should be relegated to retraining and other consequences if they act in any ways that promote white supremacy.
Hold Parents and Youth Accountable
No parents or youths should have the right to obstruct the good lives of others. We need to clearly identify actions and behaviors that obstruct that good living and hold parents and youth who cross those boundaries accountable. When the Buffalo killer made threats and expressed deadly ideology, he and his parents should have had to go through a thorough anti-racist training with law enforcement oversight. There should have been some kind of probation period for the child--a period where his actions were regularly reviewed and monitored.
Speak up
Don't stay silent in the midst of any words or actions that are racist. Speak up and work for change. Often some act in racist ways unknowingly--when that happens, we have to educate each other. Many of us grew up in racist homes and communities--racism is ingrained in us. We have to unlearn that overt and subtle racism to do better.
Broaden your horizon
With your loved ones, broaden your horizon. Don't simply stick to your same-old, same-old groups and places. Get to know about all the people in your community--this is a good way to breakdown harmful stereotypes in ways that broaden your mind and enrich your experience of life. When we broaden who we know and what we do, we become better community members who live better lives.
Contribute
Find ways to contribute to efforts that improve our communities, eradicate deadly racism, and build better living for all.
We can do this.