“I am not a
racist.”
I cannot
count how many times that statement was part of a conversation about this
difficult topic.
Racism
occurs because a person ignores the fundamental truth that, because all humans share
a common origin, they are all brothers and sisters, all equally made in the
image of God. When this truth is ignored, the consequence is prejudice and fear
of the other, and—all too often—hatred. Where there is fear, racism is
possible. Where there is ignorance, racism is possible. Where there is
misunderstanding, racism is possible. Where there is in equality, racism is
possible. The list can go on.
Racism comes
in many forms. It can be seen in deliberate, sinful acts. In recent times, we have seen bold expressions of
racism by groups as well as individuals. The re-appearance of symbols of
hatred, such as nooses and swastikas in public spaces, is a tragic indicator of
rising racial and ethnic animosity.
Extreme
nationalist ideologies insinuate themselves in American public conversation by xenophobic
rhetoric that instigates fear against foreigners, immigrants, and refugees. Too
often racism comes in the form of the sin of omission (“what “we have left
undone,” BCP, 360), when individuals, communities, and even churches
remain silent and fail to act against racial injustice when it is encountered.
Racism can
often be found in our hearts—in many cases placed there unwillingly or unknowingly
by our upbringing and culture. As such, it can lead to thoughts and actions
that we do not even see as racist, but nonetheless flow from the same
prejudicial root. Consciously or subconsciously, an attitude of superiority can
be seen in how certain groups of people are vilified, called criminals, or are
perceived as being unable to contribute to society, even unworthy of its
benefits. Racism can also be institutional, when practices or traditions are
upheld that treat certain groups of people unjustly. The cumulative effects of
personal sins of racism have led to social structures of injustice and violence
that makes us all accomplices in racism.
We continue
to read headlines that report the killing of unarmed African Americans by law enforcement
officials. In our prisons, the number of inmates of color, notably those who
are brown and black, is grossly disproportionate. Despite the great blessings
of liberty that this country offers, we must admit the plain truth that for
many of our fellow citizens, who have done nothing wrong, interactions with the
police are often fraught with fear and even danger. At the same time, we must reject
harsh rhetoric that belittles and dehumanizes law enforcement personnel who
labor to keep our communities safe. We must also condemn violent attacks
against police.
With the
positive changes that arose from the civil rights movement and related civil rights
legislation, some may believe that racism is no longer a major affliction of
our society— that it is only found in the hearts of individuals who can be
dismissed as ignorant or unenlightened. But racism still profoundly affects our
culture. In short, it, in any form, has no place in the Christian heart. What
can we do now and in the future, to rid the beloved community of God of this
sin?
