On May 22, 1962, in a speech given in Los Angeles, California, Malcolm X said, "The most disrespected person in America is the black woman.” His prophetic truth was demonstrated this past weekend by animal rights activist Aidan Cook. During the question and answer period dedicated to presenting their ideas, by each candidate attending the MoveOn #BigIdeas forum in San Francisco, Cook leaped onto the five-foot-high stage to harangue Senator Kamala Harris about “…the factory farms that abuse animals, sicken local populations and repress whistleblowing activity,” according to a press release from the group, Direct Action Everywhere.
No one in attendance was in favor of animal abuses, yet Harris was chosen as the face of apathy for the activist. My question is why and to what end? Did Mr. Cook feel safety in approaching a black woman; was he that comfortable in his confrontation with a black woman—without fear of being tackled or pummeled? In what must have seemed forever for another black woman on stage, MoveOn’s chief public affairs officer, Karine Jean-Pierre, who for 15 agonizing and fearful seconds held Mr. Cook at bay until help arrived. I cannot help but think had this been Senators Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren, or any of the white male candidates in attendance retribution would have been swift and immediate.
I know for many this may sound like the paranoia of another angry black man, but I tell my kids and grand-kids all the time; once is an accident, twice is a coincidence and three times is a trend. The incidences of disrespect toward black women throughout the history of America has far exceeded three times. The irony and symmetry of another black woman having to physically place herself between Senator Harris and what could have been an attacker were a stunning visual, which is precisely why it was a one-day story. The media got to ignore the intellect and ideas of Ms. Harris and show video of Mr. Cook approaching the candidate. In a follow-up Salon piece written June 2authored by Matthew Rozsa, the focus of the article seemed to be on the struggles of Mr. Cook’s cause rather than the threat to Ms. Harris. It has not been suggested by anyone that Aidan Cook was a threat risk to the Senator, but at that moment who really knew.
My amazement and disappointing response to the Harris/Cook incident reminds me of the Colin Kaepernick, flag debate. At no time did Mr. Kaepernick confront directly anyone of power or status. He quietly took a knee, in solidarity for people of color, arguably murdered by police, and for his respectful protest, he was denied the continuation of his pro football career. There were no immediate alibis or understanding compassionate think pieces from the predominantly white media in support of him. Maybe that speaks of a bigger problem not only are animals looked upon as being equivalent but above the plight of black citizens gunned down on the streets of America by law enforcement. By the way, Senator Harris’ big idea is LIFT (Livable Incomes for Families Today); funny I am reading little about this big idea coming from a black woman.
Vote in 2020 for Change.
