The Capitol Riots
Q1. How can we heal as a nation from these twin viruses: COVID19 and The Big Lie/QAnon Conspiracy Contagion? What are some of your proposed antidotes?
A1. Our nation has been struck by two of the most deadliest viruses: COVID19 and The Big Lie. In order to heal from these viruses, the nation must stand together as one and hold a united front. What we say, think, and do, may save the whole future of free mankind in this supreme crisis of history, but only on that condition — unity.
It is also important to show accountability in times of crisis. Only once the perpetrators of the Capitol attack are held responsible for their actions will the nation heal from this virus.
The COVID19 battle is an ongoing battle that the nation continues to tackle everyday. With proper hygienic precautions like masks, sanitizers, vaccines, etc. every citizen of the nation can do their bit in combating the virus. By practicing social distancing and staying at home as much as possible, the nation can slowly progress towards a COVID free nation.
Q2. What are your thoughts on Eugene Goodman’s actions the day on Jan 6th?
A2. U.S. Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman has been rightly hailed as a hero as he cleverly deviated a mob away from the Senate chambers during the riots held at the Capitol. Goodwill acted quickly, efficiently, and smartly due to which everyone inside the building was protected. Without his actions, the Capitol would have suffered greater damages and there could have been a violent confrontation. He was a lone Black police officer that faced a mob of mostly White rioters but that did not stop him. He is a true example of a patriot and a hero.
Q3. Do you think AOC demonstrated bravery in telling her story? How does such a narrative redefine power? How do her relationships with other staff members provide solace and assist with collective healing?
A3. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) shared her experience of the Capitol riots in an 82-minute Instagram live. I was in awe of her bravery and vulnerability after watching her video. She spoke about the trauma she faced while she was locked inside the building and compared it to the trauma she faced being a victim of sexual assault. Talking about such a topic requires a lot of strength, courage and power — all of which AOC possesses. Through her video, she made it acceptable to talk about such issues and allowed for more people to be brave and share their stories. Through her narrative we understand that power is delicate and unreliable. It is not only vested within people who mobbed the building but also within the victims of trauma and abuse who were able to overcome the struggle. Her relationship with other staff members provide solace as nobody wants to be feel alone in times of a crisis. Social solidarity and unity is what helps overcome struggle. It is only through compassion and empathy can people heal collectively.
Q4. What is the difference between Fame and Infamy? What does the insurrection say about the shadow side of celebrityhood and false idolatry?
A4. Fame refers to renown and reputation, or a position of public prominence. All of the associations with fame are generally positive, implying the person is respected and honored as well as being famous. On the other hand, infamy is a dubious social distinction gained by committing a terrible act.
The insurrection throws light on the shadow side of celebrityhood and false idolatry. It is a proof of how power is used in wrong ways by those who hold it. It shows how people are oblivious of the deeds and values of the people they idolize as they blindly follow them without questioning their beliefs. Trump supporters blindly follow him without questioning his beliefs of sexism and racism. The insurrection is an example of Trump’s supporters idolizing his bad behaviors and deeming them to be honest and true.
Q5. The social media, live-streamed insurrection: what does it mean that the perpetrators of the Capitol siege provided photographic and video evidence of their crimes? Was this more evidence of delusion? Of white privilege?
A5. The live-streamed insurrection on social media showed both delusion as well as white privilege. Since Trump supporters falsely idolize him, they were delusional of their actions and prided themselves for the deeds they committed. They also had the mentality of being unstoppable and untouchable which is a delusional attitude. The insurrection also showed evidence of white privilege as nobody was held responsible for their actions. By taking videos of themselves, the perpetrators encouraged other white supremacists to participate in the attack.
Q6. Discuss the role of citizen sleuths and the anonymous creator of Faces of the Riot in this ongoing collaboration with the FBI. How does the hive mind serve as a corrective?
A6. Citizen Sleuths, Faces of the Riot, and the FBI are the guiding forces of finding justice for the victims of the Capitol attack. They have played the most important role in increasing awareness about the attack and holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions. The creators of Faces of the Riot have assisted the FBI by capturing identifiable individuals for the FBI’s continued investigation. The hive mind serves as a corrective in this respect as it propagates for a united nation and honesty no mater the circumstance. It encourages the people of society to stand up for what they believe in and not be afraid of speaking the truth.
