For the last several months, social media and online forums have been aflame with far-right rhetoric, hate, and bigotry. Emboldened since the Trump presidential victory, it appears more and more individuals are willingly going public, and most worrisome, without consequence. On the flip side, we have seen protestors, advocates, and well-meaning organizations and people be reprimanded because they don’t fit into the increasingly fascist, right-wing mold.
One such local example appeared on a post by ‘What’s going on in Rhode Island.’ This post was about June Rose, a protestor affiliated with Rhode Island’s Providence City Council who attended the Trump Tower protest. The comment section, like most others, was filled with horrific and inflammatory language against Rose, most of whom willfully used their full public names.
Tony Lanni, a Rhode Island and Massachusetts-based RE/MAX realtor, was one of them, commenting that “they” should get death.
In the fight against the fascistic mistreatment of marginalized communities, it’s darkly ironic to see someone outside those communities defend their oppression. And though the word ‘they’ may refer to protestors in this instance, the term often functions as a dog whistle used against those very groups and dissenters.
In an email, Richard Zompa of RE/MAX stated they had spoken to Lanni; however, no disciplinary action was taken, and Lanni “regrets the comment.” See the below section for the full response.
This is a single case of a more common pattern: increases in these types of comments and public acceptance of such behavior. Let’s be clear: publicly posting these types of comments should, at minimum, result in immediate job termination and any related affiliation. However, ever since the Trump presidency, consequences have become rarer.
We are not just disappointed in REMAX’s response, but we also question the moral integrity of the organization as a whole.
UPDATE
Recently, on April 8th, an Instagram account by the name of ‘rhodeislandracismwatchdog’ posted photos of Rhode Island Realtor, Andre Marines. The images depict Marines post on X (Twitter), supporting Trump and his opposition to recent Rhode Island Protestors.
We contacted Marines, and after the conversation, they agreed to take down the post. Was this damage control or genuine reflection? Either way, what Andre posted cannot be undone or erase any harm caused.
The full conversation between Providence Progressive (PP) and Andre Marines is pasted below.
PP:
We assume this is you. Care to elaborate or clarify your statements?
Andre:
Crazy how that’s being labeled as racism.
I just want a better America for everyone.
There is no controversy on my end… America needs to be a better place for everyone 🙏 It has been a rocky start but I do believe this administration is working towards that.
I appreciate you reaching out.
PP:
While I understand your reasoning, you have to understand that supporting a figure who has run on fascist (including racist) ideals is greatly harming our communities. As a public figure and local realtor, your views don’t exist in a vacuum.
You may disagree, but there is substantial evidence to support this. Whether you choose to engage with that or not is up to you.
Andre:
My earlier statement about ‘X’ may have come across as broad, but I want to be clear: I was speaking from an economic perspective. There are decisions made by this administration that I simply cannot support. My heart aches for what is happening to my community. I stand firmly with minorities, whom I am deeply proud to help, serve, and uplift every single day.
PP:
It’s up to you whether to take down that post or not, but calling fascist policies “economic” doesn’t make them less harmful.
Of course, as you post publicly, people may call you out. I’m not the only one concerned, either.
Andre:
I understand why I would get called out.
I do believe things will get better, and more affordable for everyone 🙏 And I do understand where you’re coming from and how that statement that was made could be perceived.
PP:
It’s not just about how it was perceived, it’s about what it supports and what it actually is. Again, you’re free to take down that post.
Andre:
Will do thank you 🙏