The Devil Within Us
White women’s violence is a time-honored American tradition. But it doesn’t have to be.
“Mistress Epps was not naturally such an evil woman, after all. She was possessed of the devil, jealousy, it is true, but aside from that, there was much in her character to admire.”
“[I]f she was not watchful when about her cabin, or when walking in the yard, a billet of wood, or a broken bottle perhaps, hurled from her mistress [Epps]’ hand, would smite her unexpectedly in the face.” — Narrative of Solomon Northup, a Citizen of New-York, Kidnapped in Washington City in 1841, and Rescued in 1853
Amy Cooper. (2020)
Parking Lot Karen. (2020)
BBQ Becky. (2019)
Katie Robb. (2001)
Susan Smith. (1994)
Carolyn Bryant Donham. (1955)
Victoria Price & Ruby Bates. (1931)
What do these white women have in common? They, along with thousands of other white women, have called on white supremacy to threaten, maim, incarcerate, or kill Black people, mostly Black men. And they knew exactly what they were doing.
This makes Mr. Northrup’s note that Mistress Epps wasn’t naturally an evil character — even though she routinely…
