Imagine living in a neighborhood where your sense of peace is shattered, not by noisy traffic or barking dogs, but by the hostile words of a neighbor. This isn’t a scene from a dystopian novel; it’s the unsettling reality for one family in Midvale, Utah.
A tale that seems almost unbelievable in our modern society, yet it’s unfolding right before our eyes, raising questions about the boundaries of free speech and the impact of racial harassment in everyday life.
The story starts with an Instagram post, a window into months of distress endured by a family. Videos capturing moments of verbal assaults expose the gravity of what they faced – a neighbor’s relentless racial tirades. But what really lies beneath these clips? Is it just an old-fashioned neighborhood squabble, or is there something more sinister at play?
As documented by the Midvale family in Utah, they have been verbally harassed by a woman on a daily basis since 2020. They even complained to the police but to no avail.
Certainly, this is no mere dispute over fence heights or lawn care. The family’s ordeal, highlighted in these videos, paints a picture of persistent racial harassment, culminating in charges against their neighbor, Kathryn Smith.
What’s in a Word? Decoding Midvale Woman’s Racism
“Words have power,” they say, and Kathryn Smith spewing harsh remarks is a testament to this.
It was a monumental feat for the family, who had been saving for years to buy their own home. Somewhere around 2019, the couple found the perfect space for their kids in the
neighborhood of Union Park Avenue, just south of the Interstate 215 Belt Route. At first, the family was enjoying the vibe, and the community was quite welcoming.
That was until a year later when they were suddenly taken aback by an unhinged woman who had just started bothering them unprovoked.
Clips show her hurling racial profanities, including the N-word, at her neighbors. But what makes this situation extraordinary is the frequency and intensity of these outbursts. According to Tyler Ayres, the family’s attorney, the harassment has been a daily nightmare since 2020.
A Mother’s Ordeal
The video transcripts show her saying–
“You keep your illegal dog on a f**king leash!”
Kathryn went on to verbally attack even the kids, and that is where I draw the line. She yelled–
“Just cause you f**king squirted a kid out of your c**t doesn’t mean you’re worthy of being a mother,” she said.
The family’s mother narrates a distressing account of Smith’s actions: camping out in front of their house, chasing her child, and even alleged physical assault. At one point, Smith also punched the pregnant mother’s stomach and yelled, “Get the f**king baby out of there.”
The Legal Line: Legal Implications and Community Response
While free speech is a constitutional right, where do we draw the line? Local civil rights attorney Bob Sykes weighs in, “This woman can have all the hateful thoughts that she wants, she can say what she wants, but she can’t threaten people.”
He argues that Smith’s actions, including getting physically close and uttering threats, constitute disorderly behavior and threats.
With at least one incident leading to assault charges, the line between hate speech and criminal behavior becomes blurred. The Unified Police Department’s response is under scrutiny, with the family feeling inadequately supported. Meanwhile, Midvale Mayor Marcus Stevenson expressed disgust over the situation, echoing the community’s sentiment.
A Wider Conversation
This case opens up broader discussions about racial harassment and the responsibilities of law enforcement in such scenarios. It questions the effectiveness of our legal system in protecting citizens from racial abuse and the role of the community in fostering a safe environment for all.
On the other hand, the probe is also moving towards a completely different tangent, considering that 67-year-old Kathryn Tunison Smith might be struggling with mental illness.
After the clips received wildfire traction with immense backlash, law enforcement finally decided to investigate, roping in the FBI for further investigation.
But it also highlights the lack of proper action when the family first sought assistance. Can we box this case under systemic racism?
Where should society draw the line between free speech and hate speech? What actions can communities take to prevent racial harassment? How should law enforcement agencies respond to allegations of racial abuse to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens?
In a world where our differences should be our strength, incidents like these remind us of the long road ahead in the fight against racism and hate.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Share your thoughts, and let’s work together towards a more tolerant and inclusive society.
1 Comment
Mental illness is a cop out. She was a prosecuter for years and kept her condition under control.