Name it. See it. Solve it.
Kimberle Crenshew, author and activist who coined the term, “Intersectionality,” writes, “And we all know that, where there's no name for a problem, you can't see a problem, and when you can't see a problem, you pretty much can't solve it.”
Miya Ponsetto accused and assaulted a fourteen year old Black young man, whom she claimed stole her cell phone. His father recorded the event. Combined with the hotel surveillance video, Miya was rightfully arrested.
And then…
The District Attorney did not use the word “Black” to describe the victim. His decision supports Dr. Crenshaw’s claim - name it, see, it, solve it - because he did not name white supremacy and racism. Thus, the jurors will not see the case as racially motivated and will not be able to render the appropriate verdict and sentencing. The inclusion of “Black” in the charges would have classified this case as a hate crime and would have lengthened the time in jail. In addition, it would highlight that violent attacks on persons of color are intolerable by law.
On the contrary, white supremacy remains the invisible winner because the future verdict offers no protection to, in this case, Black bodies, which is a part of the dominant narrative that we all know. Most can see that race and age factored into Miya’s decision to point to and accuse this young Black man of theft. Yet, not naming the situation as a racially motivated crime, changes the way that it is interpreted and settled.
And this repeated offense of not naming white supremacy and racism when it occurs challenges our collective ability to do anything to solve it.
We must be aware of white supremacy, so we can accurately name it, which will allow us to see it and, maybe, solve it. Moments like this one purposely delay that journey.
