“Not all Mjolnir”
As of this writing (3:43, CST), the Trumpists have invaded the Capitol building, one going so far as getting into the Well, where, this morning, Pence and Pelosi had presided over the Electoral College proceedings.
There he stands in the picture, hands in pumped victory fists, dressed, oddly, in what appears to be an Indigenous head dress, and, of course, sporting a Mjolnir (Thor’s hammer) tattoo that covers about half his torso.
I cringe. Not because I am a follower of explicitly anti-racist Asatru, but because I know this is going to lead to a chorus within the community of “But we’re not racists/the use of that symbol is a disgrace/they have no right to use the mjolnir in the name of hate” and ETC. Et. CETERA.
Dear All my Heathen Honeys —
What we do NOT need to be doing is sulking. My uncomfortable conversation about my necklace is nothing compared to the life-threatening actions of racists against people of color.
We need to consider, as Rune Hjarno Rasmussen discusses in the video below, the people who are actually hurt by the hate.
We need to stand up. Just saying, “Hey, that’s not us” is the equivalent of “not all whyt people/not all men.” The only real way to get people to understand that that ilk does not represent us is to DO something about it that shows it.
Just wearing a t-shirt about how Thor hates Racists or whatever is truly not enough. We need to be aiding those who are directly affected.
We need to be out at the anti-racist rallies in whatever capacity will best help those most directly affected, or offering to be a point of contact if we cannot physically attend.
We need to be active in our communities, keeping an eye out for our neighbors.
We need to be offering aid however we can, as individuals or by working with organizations already on the ground.
Greet this offense against our symbol with the grace of redemption through action.
