Black Americans and women are being targeted by hateful messaging in the wake of last week’s presidential election.
The racist messages are explicit in their referencing of slavery. They tell recipients they have been selected to pick cotton and tell them to be prepared to be picked up and transported to a designated plantation.
The texts were sent out within days of Donald Trump winning his second term in office. They are not something happening far away to other people. They are happening in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
“This is obviously disturbing, and I believe that it reflects the current sentiment that’s come alive in this political environment,” said Carlos T. Carter, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.
The messages are being investigated by the FBI and the Justice Department, as well as the Federal Communications Commission and state authorities.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission has condemned the messages. New York, Alabama, California and Ohio are among other states where the messages have been received.
Jennifer Price, a special education attorney and former Allegheny County prosecutor, can attest to the messages being received locally. Her sister received one.
“This is why some people feel politics should ruin a relationship or friendship. This election felt so personal,” she said.
It is also personal for women who have been on the receiving end of “your body, my choice” taunts. This mockery started with right-wing extremist and live streamer Nick Fuentes on Election Day and has spread quickly.
Some use the message online in responses to women’s social media posts with cover of anonymity. Others are being reported using the message in person, including in schools.
Both the racist and misogynistic messaging is alarming regardless of political position. There is no excuse for such blatant attacks, and it is on everyone to demand accountability.
We are one week out from the presidential election and still more than two months from the inauguration. If such hostility and hatred is allowed to grow, by Jan. 20, we will be overcome by a thicket of thorny problems that will be overwhelming.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to prune these issues now.
