A sliver of optimism in a dark time

The coup attempt of Jan. 6 and its aftermath have been distressing, but upon historical reflection, I think there *could* be a cause for a tiny sliver of optimism.  

The unearned privilege of a group always ends. But it's usually ugly. Apartheid South Africa. The French and Russian Revolutions. The partial evolution that was the end of legal segregation in the US.

It never ends with the group voluntarily giving up their privilege - ie: sharing the wealth and power with everyone - because they think it's the right thing to do. It ends with the rest of the people demanding a fairer system and the privileged group realizing they can no longer stand against the inexorable march of history.

The end is often the most turbulent and violent period, as the privileged lash out vainly fighting the inevitable. It's unfortunate but this seems to be the only path from which more equitable societies emerge.

White people are going to be a minority in this country in the near future. Many are not white supremacists - overt or apologists for such a system - but a significant percentage are. And they are the most dangerous ones at this time.

Many assume that they, as a minority, will be treated in the same way that they themselves  have traditionally treated minorities. The thought of such karma terrifies them. They literally can't imagine a society in which minorities are treated fairly and decently.

I hope that we are in the death throes of a centuries-old white supremacist based society. White supremacy is often described as America's Original Sin, but it's more accurately referred to as America's Foundational Sin. It's not incidental to America's history. It's central to it.

There will not be magical transformation when the Biden administration is sworn in. It will probably get worse before it gets better, which is not a reassuring thought.  

Such evolution is not driven by politicians but by the people. I think the values of the younger generation may be what saves this country by ushering in a more open and meritocratic society. But a more humane society is not guaranteed. It must continue to be fought for by all who want it.