Racial violence as a profitable spectacle, rooted in Jim Crow-era racism, perpetuates systemic oppression through commodified Black pain, political rhetoric, and rising hate crimes, revealing America’s entrenched racial injustice. (AI Generated Image)

Racial Violence, a Profitable Spectacle

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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Alligator Alcatraz and Its Origins

“Alligator Alcatraz” refers to a controversial detention facility in Florida. It has become a symbol of racial violence and state-sanctioned oppression in America (NewsOne). This term echoes a terrible past: the racist trope of Black children used as alligator bait. Jim Crow-era media, like postcards and souvenirs, reflected this dehumanizing practice (Spitfire News). Contemporary references and merchandise from some Trump supporters perpetuate this grim legacy and commodify extreme racial violence and oppression. This normalizes and profits from ongoing racial injustice (Spitfire News).

In addition, critics argue that the facility and its symbolism represent a harsh backlash against anti-racist movements. They draw parallels to historical practices of racial terror and exploitation (Jacksonville Free Press). The term “Alligator Alcatraz” traces back to racist postcards depicting Black children as alligator bait, a dehumanizing Jim Crow trope turned racial violence into a form of entertainment and profit (Spitfire News). This historical atrocity, well-documented in early 20th-century media, solidified the devaluation of Black life (Jacksonville Free Press). Today’s use of the term and its associated imagery, including merchandise and social media content, continue this legacy of making racial oppression a spectacle (Spitfire News).

Commodification of Black Pain

The concept of commodifying racialized pain means transforming acts or symbols of racial oppression into objects for entertainment or profit. Such commodification turns historical atrocities and ongoing oppression into something marketable. It effectively desensitizes audiences and hides human suffering while normalizing continued racial hierarchies. Objectification also allows people to profit from the pain of marginalized groups through media, merchandise, or social rituals.

For example, Jim Crow-era postcards and souvenirs commodified violent oppression (Spitfire News). They sold racist imagery, making racial violence profitable entertainment. Today, social media and “Alligator Alcatraz” merchandise show how historical racial violence is repackaged (Spitfire News). This phenomenon highlights how racial violence can be consumed as spectacle (NewsOne). The use of racial violence as a spectacle normalizes systemic racism. It also obstructs efforts to address present injustices or reckon with history (Jacksonville Free Press).

Understanding Systemic Racism

Systemic Racism: Policies and practices in institutions that disadvantage certain groups. It is rooted historically in slavery, segregation, and discriminatory laws. It continues to shape disparities in criminal justice, education, healthcare, housing, and economic opportunity.

The Role of Political Rhetoric

Racist rhetoric from political messaging uses language, symbols, and narratives that normalize racial prejudice and white supremacy. This rhetoric often includes hidden messages or clear appeals to white identity politics. It also involves fear-mongering about immigration. And it means glorifying historical symbols with racially exclusionary or violent meanings.

For example, some Trump supporters celebrate “Alligator Alcatraz” showing how racist historical symbols are co-opted into political discussions (Spitfire News). These discussions reinforce systemic racial divides and fuel backlash against racial justice efforts. Additionally, the embrace of these symbols reflects a broader political strategy to foster historical ignorance. It also undermines anti-racist movements by mocking racial oppression and profiting from it (Spitfire News). This racist rhetoric also aligns with policies that demonize immigrants and reinforce racialized law enforcement (ABC Action News).

Spike in Hate Crimes

Studies confirm that racist rhetoric and attitudes not only cause discrimination, but also incite real-world violence and hate crimes (Brookings). These crimes spike following politically charged events. FBI data reveals a significant uptick in hate crimes in counties with greater support for Donald Trump. This correlation began in 2016 (Brookings), highlighting the connection between racialized political rhetoric and violent acts. Hate crimes during that period saw the second-largest increase in 25 years (Brookings).

In addition, racial violence continues to negatively impact the mental and physical health of Black communities. It contributes to a public health crisis (Congress.gov). The U.S. Senate passed a resolution recognizing racism as a public health emergency (Congress.gov), acknowledging the broad impact on community well-being. The impact includes chronic stress, poor mental health outcomes, and difficulties in accessing healthcare. These issues disproportionately affect Black and Indigenous populations. The resolution details how racially motivated violence, including kidnappings, murders, and mass shootings, has historical roots while continuing to threaten Black Americans well-being (Congress.gov). The Congressional resolution also cites data showing ongoing violence against Indigenous populations. And it highlights the psychological and physical harm they endure due to systemic oppression (Congress.gov). In 2018, 908 victims were reported in anti-Black intimidation hate crimes alone (USFCA Gleeson Library).

White Supremacist Activity

White supremacist groups, such as the Proud Boys, Patriot Front, and White Lives Matter, remain active and violent (ACLED). They particularly operate in states like Ohio. These organizations contribute to a culture of fear and racial animosity which directly feeds into public spectacles of racial violence (ACLED). Also, these groups carry out propaganda and violence. As a result, they exacerbate racial tensions across the nation (ACLED).

These racist groups promote ideologies based on white racial superiority and nationalism. Their actions often include rallies, violent confrontations, and spreading racist, xenophobic messages. Moreover, they also spread anti-government propaganda and have have clear links to racially motivated violence. Seeing to maintain white dominance in society, white supremacist groups actively oppose racial justice movements. The term “Alligator Alcatraz” and its celebration highlight this ongoing threat. It reminds us how deeply racial violence and its commodification are embedded in America’s systemic racism, hate crime patterns, and extremist group activity. These factors have documented, measurable impacts on the safety and health of targeted communities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.