I originally wrote this a couple of days after the events in Charolettsville, Va. I was reluctant to publish it in part because there were many others raising good points. However since the media seems to have only gone further over the top in trying to fuel the flames to divide this country and the insanity has continued and even escalated I felt it was time to throw in my 2 cents.
There is much anger and confusion over events in recent days. A large part of problem with what we are seeing is many are accusing others of attitudes or actions (fueled by the media, "protesters" and various "gatekeepers") through guilt by association, as if merely being a certain race somehow means you are a racist or a bad person. This assertion is totally based on identity, the essence of *identity politics. Is has nothing to do with the actual conduct of any given individual.
*It is also the very same strategy and approach communists have used to take over a standing political/economic system. i.e. creating class warfare such as the "bourgeois vs the working class" the "haves" vs the "have nots." In this present conflict attempts are being made to create division primarily along racial lines, not necessarily economic lines.
For
example, does anyone think it is fair to be looked upon or treated as a criminal
(in the case of a "black" person or other person "of color") or a racist (in the case of a "white" person) because a small percentage within a given "group" are criminals or racists (whether past or the present)?
The unfortunate
reality is bad people within "our group" may unfairly and poorly reflect
on us, but this doesn't automatically mean we hold the same views or treat others in the same way as those actually guilty of wrong doing. Guilt by
association is all too common with how different groups view one another today. This
is the essence of stereo typing.
I
am placing these varies identities in " " because this is the
unfortunate state of things. Group identities have wrongly been imposed on various groups by others (whether within or outside of
our "group"). Identity politics in truth is divisive. And unfortunately it appears to be a primary tool of those who use it [such as the media and supporters of these different groups] to do exactly that, create division. Just labeling oneself (or being labeled) as a white this or a black that separates instead of unifies.
We may be different in certain superficial ways but the
reality is we are all humans created in the image of God and as has been said
we all bleed the same red blood. So inherently the most important and fundamental things about us are more significant (primary, not secondary) than the differences.
Is
it fair to be stereo typed? I think we can all agree
it is not. The black man has all too often been suspected of wrong doing merely
for being black. This is wrong. No one wishes to be accused of something
because of the actions of others. All of us have experienced being accused of
something we are not guilty of through guilt by association.
Denouncing wrongs and taking action
So how can we best address this? Is complaining or striking out in anger and destructive behavior the solution?
Some thoughts:
We must denounce the wrong doing from within our own "group" in the clearest and strongest terms. For sake of this discussion, the white
man must clearly denounce racism. There is never a justification for it, ever. For the black man, he must clearly denounce
the crimes of gang violence or other things a black man might be falsely
associated with merely by virtue of his color/race. To not do so could communicate we condone such destructive behavior by individuals within "our group." And if we condone it we are agreeing with it. Racism is racism...crime is crime. Both are wrong and should be clearly called out.
The other way to separate ourselves
from the things we are falsely accused of is to prove by our actions, we are wrongfully accused. If
we wish to not be falsely accused of certain views or behaviors we must be
careful not to conduct ourselves in a way that might associate us with
the bad elements within our own "group" i.e. our own race.
For example, though this
may not at all be the reason we behave a certain way and indeed be unfair, it
would likely not be wise to fly a confederate flag in our front yard or place one in the back window of our car or drive around blasting "gangsta" rap, wearing "gangsta" paraphernalia (I am using more extreme examples to make the point clearly). These
things send out a signal to others that we may hold to views or attitudes that are actually
not ours. Fair? Maybe, maybe not. Some might simply like rap music or the history that the confederate flag represents (those quick to assume the worst and racists in general [on both sides] would likely disagree). We may participate in certain behavior (though not likely, which is exactly my point) because
we are use to it or comfortable with it culturally. It's what we know and
grew up with.
Never the less, if our goal is to avoid being wrongly
associated with or accused of certain views or attitudes, even though unintentional on our part, we may
wish to consider what part we play in contributing to any harassment, mislabling and mistreatment.
Granted you may rightly feel it is wrong to be accused of holding a certain view because of what may be very innocent (possibly unconscious) habits by you and that it's the responsibility of others to figure it out. But the reality is if we wish to live in harmony and understanding we can make a difference and play a role as well. Otherwise you simply don't care what others think, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but also might not be the most loving and considerate thing either. No one wishes to be viewed with suspicion regardless of what group someone tries to put you in but the reality is it happens, so how do we respond?
My personal view is if someone makes an incorrect assessment of me I simply prove them wrong by my words and actions i.e. I don't give them reason to believe their view (prejudice) is correct. If some are so close minded they aren't willing to see the truth, I move on and pray for them.
I don't believe we are obligated to persuade someone who is close minded nor should we feel sorry for our self and allow our self to be offended if and when rejected by others. I may feel sorry for them and their being narrow minded but that is now their problem. I am always willing to talk if someone is open however. But if not, there is nothing I can do. Yes we are called to love our enemies but we are also told not to cast our pearls before swine (i.e. do not offer to someone something they don't appreciate or have an interest in receiving).
Peer pressure and identity
We also may actually need to think about changes that could cause us to be accused by our peers of
being an "Uncle Tom" or a "n***** lover". Unfortunately this happens all to often and is a big reason people don't stand up. Being approved by our peers can have a very strong hold on us which is a big problem for some who don't have a strong self identity.
As
believers, this should not be difficult however as our identity is rooted in Christ and
not a particular group. The stronger we identify with Christ the less we need
to identify with anything or anyone else. To say it practically I am beloved by God first, I am an American second, a husband, a family man, a [your occuption] and a [your race...black, white, Asian, brown person etc] last, in that order.
Note race must be last, not first. If this is a problem for you, it reveals how much your identity is rooted in something other than Christ. Race should be a miner aspect of who we are if we have a strong identity elsewhere. As the saying goes we need to be color blind. And for right now, emphasizing our race (regardless of who's doing it) is the least helpful thing we can be doing, particularly now with all the tension and race bating going on by many of the "gatekeepers" i.e. media, politicians, entertainment, sports and other so called "leaders" etc.
Did
white people in the past mistreat the black man/women. Yes. As a white man I denounce
this mistreatment in no uncertain terms. This is what I can and should do.
However
to hold me responsible for the wrongs of someone in the past who just happened
to be of the same race is not the fault of those who were not there and did not
participate in that behavior. This would be the same as saying all Germans
today are Nazi's because Hitler, who live over 70 years ago, was German. Being
connected by nationality or race does not mean I am connected in attitude, view
or action of those criminals who happened to be the same nationality or race as
me. We each are responsible for our own actions and attitudes and should be
accountable for them, not those of others.
Racism is not my problem
What
about racism? Is it unique to any one group? Is it not an issue with any group and exists in varying degrees within all race groups.
If so (and I believe it is) to decry one form of racism and not others is
hypocritical. If it is wrong for one group, is it not wrong for other groups...
for ALL groups, regardless of who that might be, in what form it might take or
when and where it happens (happened)?
Some
believe racism does not exist within their own group but only in others. Is this true? Is
there not racism within groups of all kinds? If so, why do we tolerate (or not
call out) racism among some but not others? Are some forms of racism ok, while
others are not?
Now
let's take it a step further. What if you are accused of being a racist by
another who happens (and you know) to be racist them self (but from "another" group),
what would you think, how would you feel? Would you be able to hear or accept
their accusation or criticism? Should you hear it?
I
am not giving answers at the moment or justifying any form of racism by asking,
I am simply raising questions for us to ponder. Questions that I don't
presently hear discussed in all the current outrage being expressed these days.
Without discussion there will be no understanding of the grievances felt by
others regardless of which "side" one sees themselves on. This is a
time to look in the mirror not point fingers. If we don't we all suffer. I
would suggest none of us (not necessarily individually but the various groups) are without guilt.
The simple reality is we all prefer hanging with those most like us, whether that be by age, gender, hobby interests etc. It is more comfortable. Is this a kind of racism? Not saying it is or isn't, I am just pointing out this is common with all groups. When Christ said love our neighbor as ourselves, this also means treating others like you would naturally if they were someone who is just like you, whether they actually are or not. He didn't say love your neighbors if they are like you (look like you, act like you, has a similar background and culture like you with the same interests as you etc) and avoid those who aren't.
As a side note I have had two long term accountability partners in my life that span 20 years. I had virtually nothing in common with either of them socially, historically or culturally. Both of them came from a different time in our culture (one was older and one younger, one was a former Marine and I was a former "child of the 60's" who called his kind "jarheads" when I was a young stupid kid) but what we did have in common which created the absolute strongest bond and totally nullified any of that was our mutual desire to know God and our love for Jesus. Because that was our main connection, it was so strong it overroad everything else. As a result we actually came to enjoy each other socially. Image that!
Some answers to this current issue of racism.
1.
Racism is a form of hatred of our fellow man/women and is wrong and dangerous!
2.
To excuse your own hatred and racism because the one you hate is a racist
doesn't justify yours and overrule point 1. You can and should hate racism but
that doesn't justify hating another person because of their race or racism.
Racism is wrong, no matter who expresses it or what reason is given. As my dad
use to always tell me "two wrongs don't make a right"
3.
To say racism is unique to one particular race is also dangerous. In some ways it
may be more dangerous because it allows someone to play the victim and hide behind
their own racism, all the while pretending to be
virtuous in their hate and anger against racism (as if theirs doesn't exist or is justified because it's directed at the racism of others). It must be called out on all sides. Racism is racism. It doesn't matter who participates
or why. All of it is wrong.
Two things needed to diffuse the hate and anger of racism
Now
there is one major problem with everything I have said so far. Not that I think it's
untrue but that it focuses only one side of the problem i.e. the offense. There is an entirely different side to this. Maybe the most important side. That is forgiveness? Where does that come in to all this.
There
are two things needed to properly address racism. One is when you are guilty, to fully acknowledge
the wrong, hurt and suffering it causes (or has caused) i.e. the offense and seek
forgiveness when and where necessary and appropriate and to denounce and abandon
it if and when guilty. This is critical and often lacking (if someone isn't personally a racist they of course should not apologize for being one, simply because they aren't; but it is certainly appropriate to express regret and sorrow for the racism of others i.e. for them being mistreated (I am not talking about slavery. Though unfortunate and not to be made light of, that is history. It is not the present experience of most today...at least not in it's past form. I am talking about present mistreatment, which is what I have been addressing up until now).
But in addition to acknowledging mistreatment of others, without forgiveness by those who have been wronged, healing can never occur and nothing will be
resolved. To say it another way, you can't control the behavior of others, but you can control your own attitude and outlook.
Sadly some racists will never acknowledge their wrong
doing. However those offended can still do something. If we are believers we can keep it from going beyond ourselves and prevent its spreading and continuing the damage. This may seem unfair, but much in this broken world is and God promises the scales of justice will one day be balanced. Certainly the attitude of Christ in his mistreatment would be our example here e.g. "Father forgive them for they do not know what they do."
Why
is forgiveness is more critical
Because
EVERYONE offends and everyone is offended at one time or another. Certainly
some are more offended than others (no one however was more mistreated than
Christ himself). At some point there not only needs to be an full and clear admission
of wrong doing but also forgiveness or there will only be ongoing hatred and
destruction; not just to others but to ourselves and those around us.
Forgiveness
is so critical the bible calls both parties to address it even
if or when the other party does not.
1.
The offender is called to ask
for forgiveness whether the offended grants it or not.
And
2.
The offended are called to
forgive whether the offender asks for it or not.
Both are accountable to do
their part regardless of what the other party does.
What
is significant of this dual responsibility? The only one who can actually cut
the fuse of hatred is the one offended. Why is this? Is it because the offender
has no responsibility? No, he/she is totally responsible and will be held
accountable for their actions one day; it not now certainly in eternity. The unfortunate reality is the offender my never acknowledge their wrong doing. Again, we can't control the behavior of others, we can only control our own attitude and outlook.
What do we do then? Just seethe in our hatred? Because we all sin and offenses are unfortunately part of living in
broken world, at some point we have to forgive or our bitterness will destroy us. We
are instructed to let no root of bitterness take hold (Hebrews
12:15) as it will no only destroy us but others around us we are responsible for and called to love. Offenses are the unfortunate
fruit of our rebellion against God himself. Ultimately the only thing that
prevents sin from "landing" taking root in us and destroying others is forgiveness by
those offended.
And
this is rooted and grounded in Christ himself. He did what was necessary to
bring forgiveness to all who will accept it by taking on himself the
consequences of all offenses (our own and that of others) so they are no longer held against us. And in so
doing he even asked for the forgiveness of those who killed him...who committed
the ultimate oppression against him if you will.
We
are also cautioned that we will not be forgiven if we refuse to forgive others.
I think this is saying if we can not find it in our heart to forgive it may be
because we have not yet fully accepted God's forgiveness for our own wrongdoing.
Forgiveness (being able to forgive others) is the fruit of being forgiven
first. It is virtually impossible to forgive if we do not acknowledged our own
offences and accept forgiveness. If there is no forgiveness for others we may be a person who hasn't yet accepted the forgiveness of God. You could also say if there is no forgiveness for us, we will have no forgiveness in our heart for others.
But
it goes even deeper. We can never be forgiven if we do not realize we need it
first i.e. that we are all offenders. And our biggest
offense is not doing right by God i.e. not giving God what he rightfully
deserves...all honor and due respect. If you are offended for not being given proper respect, what about your not given him proper respect?
Why
does he deserve honor and respect? Because all we have and are is from him yet we act as if it
is not.
He has done everything necessary to forgive our wrong of not acknowledging his
rightful honor, by putting that offense on Christ on our behalf; for our sake.
Yet, we reject his offer; the offer of ultimate and total forgiveness. This is
an insult to the work and offer of Christ from which there is no remedy. Not
because one is not available but because it is the only one that exists yet we
reject it.
To be forgiving, you must first be forgiven.
______________________________________________________________
For more discussion on being offended click here
For a discussion on why and how we must distinguish culture from race click here.
I think the essence of what Jesus
was suggesting is all goodness, even his own was (is) by virtue of his
being in [1]relationship with his Father, the source of all goodness
i.e. Christ was not saying he was (is) not good but rather his own
goodness was the fruit of his relationship with his Father. To say it another way the goodness of Christ was a genuine
and real goodness but also a goodness [1]derived from
being in union (one) with his Father who is good. 
I think the essence of what Jesus
was suggesting is all goodness, even his own was (is) by virtue of his
being in [1]relationship with his Father, the source of all goodness
i.e. Christ was not saying he was (is) not good but rather his own
goodness was the fruit of his relationship with his Father. To say it another way the goodness of Christ was a genuine
and real goodness but also a goodness [1]derived from
being in union (one) with his Father who is good. 
