The radical thinker and abolitionist John Brown (1800-1859) believed that simply identifying yourself as anti-slavery was not enough. When Brown, a deeply religious man, prayed for guidance, he concluded that direct and armed action was the only way to eradicate slavery. He embarked on a mission from God, his own holy war, to free the slaves.
Two years before the start of the Civil War, John Brown was tried and hanged for treason after a failed and bloody attempt to incite a slave uprising.
He was considered an uncomfortable zealot during his lifetime, too loud and impolite for society. But in death, Brown was a revered martyr by the U.S. troops who finally took up arms to abolish slavery.
After the smoke of war cleared and most Americans eased back into racist practices, the popular vision of Brown as a heroic freedom fighter and martyr again morphed into that of a Bible-thumping nutjob yelling in the wilderness. This negative reputation persisted throughout the last century.
History has begun to remedy this misconception and Brown is increasingly recognized as the singular hero he was, a man brave enough to call for change and fight for others’ freedom.
Let’s shift to the present. (And, just to be completely clear, we are NOT comparing the current situation to slavery. What I do want to highlight is that the racism inherent in this situation has similar undertones.)
Shouldn’t Americans fight for the rights of asylum seekers who come and ask for the same freedoms we enjoy? Being born where you’re born isn’t anything you nobly choose — it’s sheer luck or chance. With a different outcome, It could easily be you or your child waiting in the cold night for a shelter bed or a hot meal. We are all humans who deserve kindness and understanding.
Be like John Brown. Don’t hesitate to be noisy and righteous. Demand changes. Enforce kindness.
This is part two of a three-part series.