Enrique Tarrio Is Not Black — He Is A Biracial Hispanic Individual

Enrique Tarrio is a Cuban-American leader of the far-right chauvinist Proud Boys. Image credits: https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2008204/assaut-capitole-enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-prison

Some of you will not want to hear this: Enrique Tarrio is not Black; he is not interested in having any affinity with Black people. I am well aware that in the U.S., there is the one-blood drop rule, but it doesn’t mean that every biracial person wants to be in that box.

In this blog, we delve into the intricate identity and ideological perspective of Enrique Tario, the leader of the Proud Boys. It is crucial to approach this topic carefully, particularly concerning the complexities of racial identity and the ideologies that shape an individual’s beliefs. Let’s explore why it is vital to understand Tario’s background and motivations while being cautious about generalities.

To begin, it is essential to clarify Enrique Tarrio’s racial identity. He is a biracial Hispanic man of Cuban descent — not a Black man. While the United States often follows the “one-drop rule” that categorizes individuals with any trace of Black ancestry as Black, it is crucial to recognize that racial identity is a complex social construct that can differ across cultures and individual experiences. In the eyes of Enrique Tarrio, even though he is a biracial Hispanic man of both African and European descent, Black people are “ low intelligent human beings and irrational people; “ In the eyes of Enrique Tarrio, Black people are “subhuman Negroes,” whose interests he is not interested in defending. If you don’t believe me, how about looking at this link describing how Enrique Tarrio burned the BLM, aka Black Lives Matter Flag, on August 23, 2021? This man even got arrested and jailed for five months.

Cultural Perspectives on Biracial Identity:

In Cuba, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Australia, Belgium, New Zealand, and other countries, individuals often identify as Black if they have African ancestry and as biracial if they have mixed heritage. This highlights the diversity of perspectives on racial identity and the importance of respecting individuals’ personal choices in how they identify themselves.

In many Latin American countries, it is essential to recognize the diverse perspectives and identities within mixed-race populations. Unlike the United States, where the “one-drop rule” often categorizes individuals with any trace of Black ancestry as Black, Latin American societies often acknowledge and respect the distinctions between various racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Within Latin American communities, individuals may identify as Mestizo, Pardo, Native American, or Black, each representing a distinct racial or ethnic identity. This highlights recognizing a broader range of racial identities beyond a simple binary of Black or White. Many mixed-race individuals consider themselves a race of their own, acknowledging their unique heritage and cultural backgrounds.

It is crucial to understand that regular Black people in Latin America may not necessarily subscribe to an African identity as their primary or sole identification. Instead, they often identify as citizens of their specific Latin American countries, emphasizing their national identity rather than an African one. They may view Black Africans as distinct from themselves, recognizing that African people come from countries in Africa while they identify as Black citizens of their respective Latin American nations.

In several countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, and Zambia, mixed-race and multiracial individuals are often called Coloreds/Coloureds or Colored/Coloured people. It is important to note that this terminology should not be confused with the derogatory racial slur “Colored people” used against Black individuals in the United States. In these countries, the term “Colored” is used as a distinct racial and cultural identity.

Similarly, mixed-race individuals are considered members of their separate groups in countries like France, Portugal, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Ireland, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Sweden, Holland, Belgium, Greece, and many others. They often have unique experiences and cultural identities that reflect their mixed heritage.

However, it is crucial to recognize that even in countries where mixed-race individuals are acknowledged as a separate group, there may still be far-right extremists or individuals who hold discriminatory beliefs. These individuals may also use disparaging words and slurs typically directed toward Black people against mixed-race individuals.

We must not dissociate Tarrio’s racial identity from his ideological affiliations because he has decided to be in charge of a White supremacist organization. African Americans, let me ask you this question: Do you think an actual melanin Black man would be allowed to lead a White supremacist movement?

Given that Tarrio leads the Proud Boys, an organization associated with white supremacists, it is essential to note that his motivations and beliefs stem from his ideological alignment, his hatred for Black people and other minorities, and his bringing back the power of Western civilization. The Proud Boys is not just a White Supremacist ideology; they promote culture wars when it comes to women’s rights to control their bodies, whether it’s about LGBTQ+ individuals fighting for their rights to be seen and heard or whether it is about the idea of treating everyone equally.

***The Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group founded in 2016, gained attention for their involvement in the Capitol insurrection on January 6th, 2021. The insurrection involved a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump storming the United States Capitol to disrupt the certification of the Electoral College results of the 2020 presidential election.***

Members of the Proud Boys were present during the events of that day and were identified among the rioters. While it is important to note that not all members of the Proud Boys participated in the insurrection, several prominent figures associated with the organization were present and played a role in the unrest. The involvement of the Proud Boys in the insurrection highlighted the group’s alignment with right-wing ideologies and their support for Donald Trump. Some members wore distinctive clothing associated with the Proud Boys, such as their black and yellow colors or their Fred Perry polo shirts.

It is crucial to realize that the events of January 6, 2021, were widely condemned as an attack on democracy and an act of domestic terrorism. Following the insurrection, ongoing investigations, arrests, and legal actions have been taken against those involved, including members of the Proud Boys. Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys, has been a controversial figure known for his involvement in various activities and his statements regarding different communities. Reports and statements suggest his disdain for Black people and other minority groups.

Tarrio’s decision to join the Proud Boys as a biracial Hispanic individual may reflect his frustration with the societal construct of racial identity and the one-drop rule that categorizes individuals with any trace of Black ancestry as Black. It is important to note that individual perspectives on racial identity can vary, and Tarrio’s personal beliefs and affiliations may diverge from what is commonly expected based on racial backgrounds. Regarding the Proud Boys’ involvement in culture wars and conflicts with the LGBTQ+ community, there have been instances where the group has been associated with confrontations and controversial statements.

White supremacists and individuals with racist beliefs may discriminate against and treat individuals of mixed race, including those with Black ancestry, disparagingly. Racist ideologies often operate based on perceived racial superiority and seek to dehumanize and marginalize individuals based on their racial background, whether Black, Mixed-race, Native American, Hispanic, Asian, etc.

Enrique Tarrio’s mixed-race heritage and Hispanic identity do not exempt him from potential discrimination and derogatory treatment by white supremacists or individuals who subscribe to racist ideologies. Such individuals may disregard the nuances of his heritage and instead view him based on their discriminatory beliefs, using racial slurs or mistreating him.

Enrique Tarrio’s crimes

An article from BBC News reports that Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, has been sentenced to 22 years in jail for his involvement in the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Tarrio, who was not in Washington during the riot, was found guilty of orchestrating the far-right group’s participation in the attack. He was convicted on charges of seditious conspiracy and multiple other counts.

According to the article, Tarrio was described by prosecutors as a “naturally charismatic leader” and “a savvy propagandist” who played a primary role in organizing the conspiracy. Prosecutors also claimed that he condoned and promoted violence from others. The judge presiding over the case stated that Tarrio began planning the attack in December 2020 and implemented a rigid command structure.

During the sentencing hearing, Tarrio expressed remorse for his role in the riot and apologized to police and residents of Washington, D.C. However, the judge noted that Tarrio had no remorse for his actions. Tarrio’s defense argued that he was a “keyboard ninja” and a “misguided patriot” who engaged in inflammatory speech but had no intention of overthrowing the government.

The article mentions that Tarrio’s sentencing is the longest thus far about the Capitol riot, and over 1,100 people have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. It also highlights that the investigation into the riot is ongoing, and the FBI is still trying to locate several individuals involved in assaulting police officers or members of the media.

Conclusion

In discussing Enrique Tarrio’s identity and involvement in the Capitol riot, it’s essential to recognize the complexity of personal identities and individual choices. While Tarrio identifies as a mixed-race Hispanic individual, his actions and derogatory comments towards Black people within white supremacist circles remain concerning. However, it is crucial to respect individuals’ self-identifications and acknowledge that not everyone with Black ancestry may choose to embrace their Blackness. My half-brother is biracial; even though we have the same father who is Black, Michael doesn’t see himself as a Black guy but a mixed-race guy.

Everyone, regardless of their racial background, is accountable for their actions. Tarrio, as a 39-year-old man, should have been aware of the consequences when he and his Proud Boys associates stormed Capitol Hill alongside other far-right groups. The legal system has sentenced him to 22 years in jail for his role in the riot.

Former President Donald Trump will not cover the legal expenses of those involved in the January 6th events, including Enrique Tarrio — so, they can keep dreaming about that. Donald Trump is the one who incited the January 6, 2021, mob to storm Capitol Hill; he sould also be held accountable for his willingness to destroy the American democracy. Donald Trump has to pay for incinting a coup to attempt to overthrow a democratically elected leader, Joe Biden.

Sources:

[embed]Ex-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio jailed for 22 years for Capitol riot An emotional Enrique Tarrio, 39, tells the court he is "ashamed" of his role in the US Capitol riot.www.bbc.com

[embed]Enrique Tarrio Proves Justice Isn’t Colorblind The Afro-Cuban leader of the Proud Boys got the longest sentence for a January 6 conspirator to date.momentum.medium.com

[embed]‘Jan. 6 General’ Enrique Tarrio Gets 22 Years But what about the commander-in-chief of the attempted coup?mannyotiko1.medium.com

[embed]Proud Boys - Wikipedia The Proud Boys is an exclusively male North American far-right neo-fascist militant organization that promotes and…en.wikipedia.org

[embed]Enrique Tarrio - Wikipedia Toggle the table of contents From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Henry " Enrique" Tarrio (US English: TAR-ee-oh , US…en.wikipedia.org

[embed]Proud Boys' Enrique Tarrio gets record 22 years in prison for Jan. 6 seditious conspiracy Tarrio's sentence is the longest so far among more than 1,100 Capitol riot cases.apnews.com

[embed]Enrique Tarrio, who led the Proud Boys, is arrested over the U.S. Capitol attack Enrique Tarrio may not have physically taken part on the Jan. 6 breach, but the Justice Department has charged him for…www.npr.org