Society creates the nation: George Floyd's murder exposes America’s deepening social cleavages

America prides itself in being the 'land of the free,' and yet George Floyd's murder is one in a long list of black Americans who do not enjoy that freedom. The denial of racism in America by many right-wing politicians only perpetuates the grave injustice.

America is not a racist country. In every state blacks and whites live side by side in harmony. The current rhetoric is breeding a racism and hatred that doesn't exist. It is institutionalising the perception of a country wrought with division. And weaponising this false idea to sow discord. The version of society the rioters are creating, does not reflect the reality. This imaginary state has become a political tool in a fight against the rule of law. Proponents of this view include Daily Signal columnist Star Parker.

This is a class issue. For too long American social and political organisation has been built on a single uniting value: the pursuit of wealth at any cost. This has trickled down into every cell of social life, breeding inequality, deprivation and unrest. It has redefined the American state by exclusion and marginalisation; those at the bottom are characterised by their subordination. This is now felt in healthcare, welfare, agency - and the way they are treated within society. The riots are just one element of its collapse and the fight for a more just society, and realignment of American values. The riots are as Professor Cornell West describes it, a call for "what we need is a nonviolent revolutionary project of full-scale democratic sharing — power, wealth, resources, respect, organizing — and a fundamental transformation of this American Empire." Proponents include West and Fox anchor Tucker Carlson.

The murder has exposed America’s burgeoning race war. Groups such as American white-supremacist social network The Base, have ramped up recruitment efforts since the riots. These groups are unified by their rallying cry for a white-on-black race war and the collapse of society. The deepening civil unrest is an opportunity for a racially charged civil war. Proponents include historian Stuart Wexler.

As this crisis balloons, it is clear that is does not exist alone. It exists alongside Covid, the China trade war, and other big issues of the moment. Why? It is ultimately an issue of truth: in all of these situations, anger, fear and distrust grow as leadership obscures the truth and replaces it with propagandising lies. The problem here is that trust in the state and law enforcement is now so eroded, there is no clear exit route. Proponents include Yahoo! Finance Editor-in-Chief Andy Serwer.

That the antifa movement has taken hold of American cities so quickly is extremely disturbing. This brand of domestic terrorism celebrates the looting, pillaging, burning and destruction of shops, cars, buildings and streets. It is an ideology that threatens the fabric of American society, and must be squashed before it does any more damage. Proponents of this group include President Trump and Attorney General William Barr.

While people disagree over the root of these riots, and the focus of current anger, we can agree on one thing. This is a pivotal moment for the citizens' voices to be heard. To have reached this point, there is clearly something wrong with the relationship between the state and those it governs. Now is the time to channel our beliefs and our dreams for a more equal society into a peaceful protest. Greater coherence and organisation is needed; and the violence must end if it is to be taken seriously. The moment for long-awaited change is finally here. Proponents include Professor Cornell West.