This Kyle Rittenhouse story is out of control

White privilege has become an often-used phrase in the vernacular, and rightly so. Some other commonly used terms include “jogging while Black” or “driving while Black.” There is no need to explain the different set of implied rights that are undeniable if you are white. If you are Black, you cannot expect the same protections.

Accused murderer Kyle Rittenhouse, who drove across state lines with a machine gun, has violated the terms of his probation. That night, he killed two people. The fact that he was granted bail at all is a gift of privilege. Kyle Rittenhouse has become a symbol in the white power movement.

Gun-rights and conservative groups provided bail money for Rittenhouse. At this time, Rittenhouse’s whereabouts are unknown. Defense attorneys have stated that the Rittenhouse family is hiding in a private safehouse due to death threats.
Prosecutors are seeking an increase in his $2 million bond and a warrant for his arrest. They further state that the address must be made public for the safety of the community.

While the right-wing sees Rittenhouse as a hero, prosecutors argue that he is an accused murder suspect, roaming free, and has no financial incentive to return for trial. It is painfully apparent, but we have to ask if a Black man would have been granted bail under the same set of facts.

The Rittenhouse defense attorneys have offered to reveal the safe-house address in exchange for a redaction from public records. The District Attorney’s Office has stated that absent a “specific, tangible and imminent threat,” the address would be a part of public record.

At this time, in a blazing case of white privilege, Kyle Rittenhouse, an accused murderer, wanders freely. Since the Rittenhouse family posted zero dollars of the bond, there is no incentive for compliance. They didn’t mortgage their house or get a payday loan. There is no similar story of a young Black man accused of murder receiving the same posh deal.