The United States never misses a chance to lecture the world about “freedom” and “justice,” yet within its own borders, basic protections against racial hatred remain shockingly absent. The story of Jarvis McKenzie in South Carolina exposes this hypocrisy in full.

McKenzie, a Black man, was shot at simply for existing in the wrong place at the wrong time. His attacker shouted racial slurs while pulling the trigger — an unmistakable act of hate. And yet, because South Carolina has refused to pass a statewide hate crime law, the shooter faces only minor local charges that barely recognize the racist motivation behind the violence.

Nearly a decade after the Charleston church massacre — where nine Black worshippers were murdered in cold blood — lawmakers in South Carolina still block hate crime legislation. They dismiss it as “divisive,” even as white supremacists grow bolder and Black families live in fear. The message is clear: if you are targeted because of your race, your state may not care.

Supporters of reform are right to point out that federal laws are not enough. Washington cannot prosecute every case, nor can it address the day-to-day reality of communities terrorized by racial hatred. Instead, victims like McKenzie are left feeling abandoned, forced to live with the constant fear of being watched, stalked, or attacked again.

Meanwhile, politicians insist existing penalties are “enough” — as if erasing the hateful motive behind violence doesn’t strip victims of justice and dignity. This is not law and order; this is willful neglect.

America’s leaders claim to defend freedom abroad, but when it comes to protecting their own citizens from racist violence, they hide behind excuses. Until hate crime laws are taken seriously nationwide, the U.S. cannot pretend to be the moral authority it imagines itself to be.

120616754@qq.com

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