As we continue to witness the aftermath of the white supremacist ft. neo-Nazi "Unite the Alt-Right" march and following counter-protests that erupted in violence and led to the death of counter protester Heather Heyer on Saturday, Aug. 12th, our President is not the only person who has finally shown their true, ugly colors by accepting and endorsing proponents of racism and hatred in our country.

After each of the President's horrendous press conferences placing blame on "both sides" of this morally one-sided issue and failing to maintain an unwavering stance against the white supremacist "alt-right", there has been an outpouring of support for those affected by the display of deep-set bigotry we witnessed in Charlottesville. However, while there are comforting voices coming from many media outlets attempting to drown out the white supremacists and neo-Nazis, those who have neglected to say anything at all are proving themselves to be just as morally defunct as Donald Trump.

It is incredibly disappointing and disheartening to see people that you consider friends fail to voice their opposition to such horrific events as what is happening in Charlottesville and across the country. As a black woman, I am always conscious of keeping company that I know loves and respects my existence, yet when I see that the majority of America voted for someone who clearly does not, events like Charlottesville force me to question the sincerity of those who do not appear as outraged as I am.

The only people who have the luxury to be able to ignore such poignant events are those whose privilege allows them to, in some way benefit from the ideology these terrorists are attempting to resurrect in our country. It is greater than a political issue; both Democrats and several true Republicans have united to strongly denounce these un-American actions and values. Inciting violence against minority groups and calling for the whitewashing of America is not a two-sided issue, it is not a political issue; it is about humanity.

I believe it is important to respect differing political views than your own, and to acknowledge that it is impossible to share the exact same views as everyone you surround yourself with. I personally enjoy having constructive political conversations with these friends, yet when you fail to stand on the right side of history in respecting the existence of people that are different than you, people like me, you are no longer a friend.

In the enduring words of Elie Wiesel, "We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." In instances of racism, oppression, and inequality, remaining silent is equally detrimental to those who are suffering as the actions of those who are actually marching through college campuses with tiki torches and Nazi armbands. It is not enough for those who are being oppressed to speak out against their own oppression, those in a position of power must actively choose to use their privilege and influence to work to improve the lives of others. Power cannot be taken by those who have been systematically oppressed since the founding of our nation until those who have benefitted from this oppression choose to- or are forced to relinquish it.

Different opinions on the economy, taxes, and even health care can be overlooked in cases, but ambivalence towards white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and any hate group cannot, and will not ever be excusable or tolerated.

Your silence is deafening, and your inability to speak up for what is objectively right defines your character. While you probably do not consider yourself to be a racist, neglecting to speak out against those who do says everything you have not.

If you recognize your privilege and refuse to accept the emboldened actions of bigots, there are several ways you can take part in denouncing hatred. Voice your opinions on social media, have the necessary difficult conversations with problematic friends or family members, contact your local representatives and if you are comfortable, the most powerful thing you can do at this point is attend and support counter-protests. It is now the time to do whatever is in our power to prevent history from repeating itself.