January 6, 2021, marked a pivotal moment in American history, serving as a wake-up call and a profound division. The shocking scenes of rioters breaching the Capitol stirred a visceral reaction across the nation. While the vast majority of Americans were horrified by the chaos, the interpretations of that day have since diverged sharply. Eyewitness accounts, extensive footage, and many legal repercussions illustrate a sobering reality. However, the narrative continues to split, fueled by disinformation and interpretative frameworks that reflect deeper societal divides.

A striking statistic from a Washington Post/University of Maryland poll revealed that 55% of Americans viewed January 6 as an unprecedented attack on democracy. However, a significant number—around 25%—embraced conspiracy theories, suggesting manipulations from within institutions like the FBI. This polarization showcases differing perceptions of an event and a broader cultural rift, particularly along political lines.

Among Republicans, a growing sentiment to "move on" from January 6 is evident. Surprisingly, only 18% consider it a violent episode, down from previous years. This shift raises troubling questions about collective memory and accountability. As some, including former President Trump, romanticize the rioters as "patriots," a unique distortion of the narrative emerges—one that blurs the lines between protest and insurrection.

The insurrection also serves as a lens through which we see the residual psychological effects of historical injustices, as symbols of past traumas like slavery and the Holocaust emerge alongside the modern-day discontent. This evokes a haunting parallel: the arrogance and ignorance that bred the insurrection reflect the same societal ills that have historically perpetuated racism and prejudice.

Moreover, the consequences have rippled beyond January 6. Hate crimes against marginalized communities are on the rise, exacerbated by a pervasive culture of misinformation. The ongoing discourse often sidesteps the foundational issues of racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism, further entrenching divisions.

As Franz Fanon articulated in "On Violence," the feedback loop of violence and trauma creates a paradoxical sense of justification among oppressed groups. Though originally framed within the colonial context, his insights resonate in the contemporary moment—underscoring how historical narratives shape current realities. The insurrection highlights a deeper malaise within society—not merely an event to be debated but a manifestation of unresolved tensions and collective traumas.

In the aftermath, our commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles seems increasingly fragile. The need for a sober reckoning with the truth has never been more pressing. January 6 is not just a date to remember but a crucial inflection point in navigating the complexities of identity, memory, and the ongoing fight for justice in the Western world.

The binary treatment of the insurrection in Western discourse parallels political discussions and highlights grotesque asymmetries, echoing a powerful pathological chord. In "The Wretched of the Earth," Franz Fanon asked, "What did y'all think decolonization meant?" While he advocated for armed struggle against colonialism, he described the violence of the oppressed not as "cleansing" but as "disintoxicating"—a widely misinterpreted concept. His perspective on the more violent forms of anti-colonial resistance was that of a psychiatrist diagnosing a vengeful pathology born from colonial oppression.

Fanon asserted that it was natural for those conditioned to respond to force with force to express themselves violently. He poignantly observed that, in the early stage of revolt, "life can only materialize from the rotting cadaver of the colonist." However, he also warned of the war trauma experienced by rebels who harmed civilians. Racism, hatred, resentment, and the "legitimate desire for revenge" alone, he cautioned, cannot sustain a liberation struggle. Such intense emotions can plunge individuals into a turbulent psychological state where the desire for vengeance becomes overwhelming, risking disintegration and pathological decompensation if left unchecked. The abusive actions of political elite powers only fueled these emotional factors, intensifying the militants' hatred and prompting further vengeful violence in their quest for perceived freedom.