Nearly two weeks since expressing his views on “justify-anything” Americans, actor Jesse Williams returned to his personal Twitter account on Monday evening to respond to the violence that escalated in Baltimore, Maryland on Monday.
Similar to his previous comments on police misconduct and race relations in America, the “Grey’s Anatomy” star took some media outlets to task over their use of the term “riot” when describing Monday’s violent protests against police over the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.
If you don’t actually care about Black people having equal protection under the law, why are you making suggestions to those who do?
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) April 28, 2015
What are the critical elements that constitute a “riot” and when do riots offend you?
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) April 28, 2015
If we view rioting as a mass temper tantrum expressed through violence & property damage, white sports fans do that monthly. #Tradition
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) April 28, 2015
1 group can burn & loot when a team scores less points than another but when paid public servants kill citizens, we gotta be BaggerVance?
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) April 28, 2015
Where are all the think pieces & coverage of the pathology of white culture every time white frustration vents violence & destruction?
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) April 28, 2015
There is nothing “black” about rioting. How do you think we got all this land?
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) April 28, 2015
Historically riots have been tools for intimidation; destroying populations, taking land & valuables. #BlowingOffSteam #BoysWillBeBoys
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) April 28, 2015
Whites rioted throughout the early 1900s, slaughtering, burning & looting entire thriving black townships, just because of the adjective.
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) April 28, 2015
You’ve watched hulking bullies w/ badges, robes & money brutalize, kill & cage human beings every yr of your entire lives & said nothing.
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) April 28, 2015
So Exactly What Kind Of Violence Don’t You Like?
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) April 28, 2015
Police & policies have been rioting on our bodies; destroying people & property every single day of your lives. But here you come…
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) April 28, 2015
…When the beaten, marinated in centuries of trauma, pain & distress, manage to muster a response, here you come, squealing; revealing.
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) April 28, 2015
Williams’ candid thoughts adds to the growing list of celebrities who have spoken out on the violence between police and protestors.
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