In the wake of the recent insurrection at the United States Capitol, ice cream makers Ben & Jerry’s have stepped forward to denounce white supremacy. As we bid farewell to Donald Trump and welcome President Joe Biden to the White House, America stands at a crucial juncture in history. Will we come together to combat the deadly virus and systemic racism, or will we continue to turn a blind eye?
While Ben & Jerry’s is known for their delicious ice cream flavors, they have always stood out from the competition by championing social justice causes. Now, they have a message for white people – it is time to take action and dismantle white supremacy.
In a powerful statement published on January 11, 2021, Ben & Jerry’s declared: “The events of January 6, 2021, were not a protest – it was a riot driven by white supremacy. It was allowed to happen, and the fact that the majority of the insurrectionists roamed freely without consequence through the heart of our democracy speaks volumes. The only explanation is that this was allowed to happen because they were white, not Black, Brown, or Indigenous people.”
The sight of a predominantly white mob that breached the US House of Representatives and Senate, even sitting in the Vice President’s chair, highlights the embodiment of white privilege. On that fateful day, we witnessed two Americas. In one America, record voter turnout driven by Black voters led to the historic election of the first Black and first Jewish senators from Georgia – showcasing our democracy at its finest. In the other America, a mostly white mob, fueled by the words of the president, violently invaded our Capitol in an attempt to overturn a free and fair election. This was a failed coup that put our democracy at risk. Both of these Americas are a part of who we are. Black and Brown communities have long understood this, as they have been subjected to the white tyranny that was on full display during the January 6 riot since the birth of our nation. It is the double standard that underpins white supremacy in our society.
The crucial question now is how we respond to the events of January 6. Our response will determine the kind of America we choose to be. Whether it is through resignations, impeachment, or activating the 25th Amendment, we cannot allow this to go on for even one more day.
With the new administration led by President Biden, Jerry Greenfield, the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, believes that we must closely examine the need for criminal justice reform. He emphasizes the importance of holding the police accountable for their actions.
“We need to start with accountability for the police,” Greenfield asserts. “While they serve essential functions, there are instances when the police do not operate at their best. We cannot establish trust between communities and law enforcement until there is accountability. Unfortunately, police are often shielded from accountability through a legal doctrine called qualified immunity.”
Ben & Jerry’s call to white people to dismantle white supremacy is a rallying cry for unity and justice. It is a reminder that we all have a role to play in shaping a more equitable society. How do you feel about Ben & Jerry’s message? Will you stand in solidarity and join the fight against white supremacy? Let’s work together to build a better America for all.
