Have you ever had to clean up a mess? If you’re a parent, the answer is likely yes. But how about cleaning up a mess made by adults on a statue? Probably not. Yet, that’s a task that was left to custodians, law enforcement, and staff members—often individuals from Black and Brown communities—who found themselves once again cleaning up after others.
In June, just weeks after the tragic death of George Floyd, the film The Help surged in popularity on Netflix. This movie, featuring Emma Stone as a budding author in the 1960s, explored the lives of African American maids, portrayed by Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. Viola Davis later pointed out that the film was not the authentic voice of those maids but served as a reminder of how white individuals have historically relied on Black and Brown people for support and assistance. The events of January 6th echoed this sentiment.
During President Obama’s time in office, we were reminded that the White House is often referred to as “The People’s House.” Michelle Obama once remarked during a 2016 DNC speech, highlighting her family’s legacy, “I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves.” This poignant statement underscores the historical context, as the White House was constructed in 1792, long before the abolition of slavery.
Similarly, Capitol Hill was completed in 1793, with enslaved African Americans contributing significantly to its construction. Today, this building stands as a symbol of American governance meant to protect the rights of all citizens, including the very descendants of those who helped build it. For over four centuries, Black Americans have been burdened with the consequences of ignorance and racism, and this cycle continues.
Following George Floyd’s murder, the expectation for Black Americans to educate others about their humanity was alarming. On January 6th, individuals displayed a shocking lack of respect for the very country they profess to love, leaving behind a mess that custodians—often people of color—were left to clean. One journalist noted that the feces left behind was part of the extensive damage caused by a mob during the Capitol riot, a violent event that resulted in multiple fatalities, including a Capitol Police officer.
The aftermath of the Capitol riots revealed a deep-seated division within the nation. Instead of hiding behind white sheets, the individuals involved in the riots showcased a willingness to reclaim “their” version of America—a land they did not build themselves. The feces smeared on statues within Capitol Hill serves as a tangible reminder of the ongoing struggles against white privilege, which continues to impede social and political progress in America.
This disturbing act of defacement symbolizes the ongoing burden placed on people of color, who often find themselves cleaning up messes they did not create.
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Summary:
The defacement of statues during the Capitol riots reflects a broader historical context of racial inequality and the ongoing burdens placed on Black and Brown communities. As custodians and staff—often people of color—were left to clean up after the chaos, this act served as a disturbing reminder of the messy legacy of privilege and racism in America.