During the unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Aug. 25, 2020, two men lost their lives at the hands of an armed teenager. The circumstances surrounding that use of force are tragic. Violent protests and riots are inexcusable and cause damage, injuries, and sometimes death. In the end, a jury found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty on all counts. Given the evidence and eyewitness testimony, this was the overwhelmingly correct conclusion.
The Rittenhouse trial captured nationwide attention, amplifying the deep division between the Left and Right. What should have been a local story of self-defense grew far beyond that. Rittenhouse’s critics believe he was a vigilante, drunk on temporary power. Rittenhouse’s supporters believe he was defending life, defending property, and exercising his rights. It is true that the rioters shouldn’t have been there that night. It’s also true that a 17-year-old boy shouldn’t have placed himself in that situation. Ultimately, the moments in question weren’t the product of a crazy individual with premeditation on his mind. Rittenhouse defended himself when faced with aggressors. He was right to do so.
But none of this makes him a hero.
In the culture war, however, every victory is not just celebrated but also potentially exploited. Each win, no matter which side of the aisle it’s on, is used as a tool to fight future battles. Rittenhouse’s legal journey ended in acquittal. Conservatives are right to praise a justice system that allows for the use of self-defense. But conservatives are wrong if they prop Rittenhouse up beyond what he is: a young man who quite literally got a second chance at life.
The best thing Rittenhouse could do is step out of the intense glare of the spotlight and work on reclaiming a private life as a productive member of society. Instead, he’s done a Tucker Carlson interview, is the subject of a Tucker Carlson Originals documentary called The Trial of Kyle, and talked with Jack Posobiec (of Pizzagate conspiracy theory fame) and Charlie Kirk. He also appeared in the studio with Steven Crowder for a discussion that crudely included, among other things, what he’s looking for in a woman. Now, he is scheduled to speak at Turning Point USA’s America Fest, which begins this weekend. Apparently, pulling a trigger is all it takes to achieve conservative-fueled fame.
No matter what is directing Rittenhouse — his own desires, those of his handlers, or a combination of both — they’re doing him a disservice. His actions on the night of the incident were correct. But reacting to the not guilty verdict with a media tour encouraged by those who treat him as a celebrity is wrong. Taking the lives of other human beings, even in self-defense, is serious action. It requires a sober examination, not star treatment. This flippancy among some on the Right only damages what should be an easy sell: the right of self-defense. Defending oneself requires a level of maturity and poise in the face of danger. The risks involved include harm to yourself and others. They should not be taken lightly either in the moment or the aftermath.
Too often, individuals on the political Right fawn over those who’ve endured the harsh legacy media glare. This ends up cheapening any worthy cause by reducing it to nothing more than partisan posturing. The right to self-defense is available to all Americans, Democrats or Republicans. The message that’s been sent by the flurry of attention surrounding Rittenhouse from some of the Right’s biggest pundits is that self-defense is only for one side. That does neither Kyle Rittenhouse nor the country any good.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
