The saying “Kill them with kindness,” is instruction to be nice to the people who mistreat you, in an effort to pacify them, stop the mistreatment, or endure it. In combating racism, kindness will never be enough. I’ve heard said, “We all just need to be nice to each other,” and “If we all respect one another, everyone will get along.” Being kind and respectful might decrease racist behavior and mitigate divisiveness, but it will not break down inherently racist systems, nor eradicate hate.
The insurrection on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6 was conspicuously protected under a system (the highest government) on display for all to see. Where was the appropriate security and shut down of the mob? Is it no wonder so many, and pointedly people of color, are unsafe and feeling powerless in the nation where this would not be tolerated if the mob were composed of black and brown people? Kindness will not solve the problems of racial inequities, including wealth inequality, nor create an access pipeline for traditionally underrepresented people in higher education and in industry.