The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

By Mohamed Miah

Virtue-signaling speeches have become a staple in modern political discourse, where lofty ideals and moral condemnations are often used to mask glaring hypocrisies. The recent comments by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, condemning violence as a means of addressing political differences in the wake of the Luigi Mangione case, highlight this contradiction with painful clarity. While Shapiro’s rhetoric emphasises peace and civility, it starkly contrasts the reality of America’s domestic and international actions, which often use violence and coercion as tools to achieve political ends.

The Speech: A Case of Virtue-Signaling

Governor Shapiro condemned Luigi Mangione’s actions, stating, “In America, we do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint.” On the surface, these words might resonate with the ideals of a “civil society,” but they ring hollow when placed in the broader context of American history and policy.

The United States’ actions, both at home and abroad, undermine the very principles Shapiro extolled. From systemic inequality and oppression within its borders to wars and interventions abroad, the U.S. has consistently employed violence and subjugation to further its political and economic goals.

America’s Blood-Soaked Hands

Domestic Violence and Inequality

The claim that the U.S. is a “civil society” is a narrative that collapses under scrutiny:

• Systemic Racism and Police Brutality: The brutality faced by Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement is well-documented, from the era of slavery and segregation to the ongoing police killings that sparked movements like Black Lives Matter.

• Native American Oppression: Indigenous peoples continue to live under conditions of systemic discrimination, poverty, and broken treaties. Their lands have been exploited, their rights trampled, and their cultures marginalised.

• Wealth Disparity and Poverty: The U.S. has one of the highest levels of income inequality among developed nations. Millions live in poverty, struggling for basic necessities in a nation of immense wealth.

International Hypocrisy

While condemning violence at the individual level, the U.S. engages in systemic violence worldwide:

• Endless Wars: From Iraq and Afghanistan to Libya and Syria, the U.S. has waged wars that have left millions dead, displaced, or destitute under the guise of promoting democracy or combating terrorism.

• Economic Sanctions as Warfare: Sanctions imposed on nations like Iran, Venezuela, and North Korea are forms of economic violence that disproportionately harm civilian populations.

• Covert Operations: The U.S. has a history of supporting coups and destabilising governments that challenge its interests, as seen in countries like Chile, Iran, and Nicaragua.

Operation Paperclip and Nazi Ties

The hypocrisy extends further when examining the U.S.’s historical actions. After World War II, under Operation Paperclip, the U.S. provided refuge to Nazi scientists, integrating them into its military and space programs. This was done not out of moral necessity but to secure technological superiority during the Cold War. The very country that now lectures the world on justice once sheltered individuals responsible for heinous crimes against humanity.

Luigi Mangione and the Sanctity of Life

While Luigi Mangione’s actions are unquestionably wrong, they reveal a deeper societal discontent. Many see Mangione’s violence as a desperate response to systemic inequalities perpetuated by the healthcare industry—a sector emblematic of profit-driven exploitation in America.

Yet, every life is sacred. Islam teaches that all lives, whether of good-doers or wrongdoers, are precious to God. People retain the ability to repent until their last breath. “Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.” (Qur’an 39:53) This profound truth calls for justice tempered with mercy, recognising the possibility of redemption for all.

Governor Shapiro’s speech, however, frames the issue narrowly, ignoring the systemic injustices that lead to such tragedies. By focusing solely on individual accountability, it deflects from addressing the root causes of inequality and suffering.

Selective Morality and Virtue-Signaling

The United States’ penchant for moral posturing is not new. Politicians frequently deliver speeches extolling peace, freedom, and justice while their actions tell a different story. This selective morality alienates not only global audiences but also its own citizens, who see through the façade.

Virtue-signaling speeches like Shapiro’s insult the intelligence of listeners by presenting a sanitised narrative. They project an image of moral superiority while failing to confront the deep contradictions in American policy and history. In doing so, they perpetuate a cycle of hypocrisy that erodes credibility and trust.

A Call for Genuine Accountability

If America truly seeks to embody the values it preaches, it must begin with introspection and reform:

• Address Domestic Injustices: Tackle systemic racism, poverty, and inequality with meaningful policy changes.

• End Imperialism: Shift from a foreign policy of interventionism to one based on mutual respect and cooperation.

• Acknowledge the Past: Own up to historical wrongs, from the treatment of Native Americans to the exploitation of enslaved Africans and the harbouring of Nazis.

True leadership is not about virtue-signaling but about aligning actions with principles. Until then, speeches like Shapiro’s will continue to ring hollow, a painful reminder of the hypocrisy that defines much of modern politics.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the tragedy of Luigi Mangione’s actions and the sanctity of every life serve as a reminder of humanity’s complexity. It’s a call for justice, tempered with mercy and rooted in a recognition of our shared imperfections. People like Josh Shapiro would do well to remember this before delivering speeches that only further highlight the contradictions in their words and deeds.

Only through genuine accountability and reform can America hope to bridge the gap between its ideals and its reality. Until then, the virtuous speeches are better left unsaid. Do your job and shut the F up basically.