A Long Way to Go on Social Justice. By Karen Adler

Most Americans believe we are a nation committed to tolerance and opposed to bigotry. Over the years, they believe our country has moved in the direction of expanded rights and greater justice for all. Lately, with every act of racial and ethnic violence, we are reminded that America remains an anti-Semitic, racist country.

By repeating anti-Semitic and racist tropes, people such as former President Donald Trump and business magnate Elon Musk advance bigotry, hatred and violence.

Other politicians and extremist groups (Gov. Ron Desantis, Sen. Rick Scott, Rep. John Rutherford and Moms for Liberty) create division and foment anger by — directly or indirectly — demeaning anyone not white, Christian, straight or whose family is not American-born. They often suffer no consequences and normalize their hateful views.

When elected leaders enact laws that marginalize individuals by denying them human rights and dignity, it can inspire bigots to direct violence at people of color, immigrants, Jews, Muslims, other religious minorities, women, girls and LGBTQ+ individuals or anyone deemed “other.”

Martin Luther King said, “Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” Americans are right to celebrate our progress toward greater justice and equality, but we must also recognize there is still a long way to go.