August 22, 2003
GUEST BLOGGER FORD CHURCH: COLOR OF FEAR
Will we ever see a time when all races can live in harmony without fear-based actions and reactions? What have you done to stop racism in your community?
I just returned from another stimulating colloquium down in Prescott, AZ (pronounced "Preskit" real fast if you are a local) as part of a requirement for my Master of Arts Program . I attended a showing of the award winning documentary called the Color of Fear with Victor Lewis and I wanted to share my thoughts about my experience.
This was a very intense documentary about eight American men from a variety of ethnic backgrounds who came together for a weekend to discus racism. What unfolded was a heart to heart sharing from the depths of their souls, which really made me think about my white, male privilege. Although this is a bold statement, I think a majority of Americans from European decent (both male and female) have never questioned their privileged status in America. If you are of European decent, have you thought about the last time you were continuously ignored by salespeople or clerks in various stores? Ignored while trying to buy a new car? Told by realtors or rental agencies that there was nothing available in the neighborhood? Pulled over by the police because you "looked" suspicious?
Heated exchanges between these men exposed fear as the root of racism. Fear of being oppressed, held down, pulled over, judged, attacked, etc. While progress has been made thanks to the pioneers of the womenís rights movement, civil rights movements, etc., we have light years to travel to address a multitude of social justice issues in America. Will we ever see a time when all races can live in harmony without fear-based actions and reactions? What have you done to stop racism in your community? One commitment I have made from this past weekend is to stop and address racist jokes and slanders as soon as I hear them. This is one small step, but if we take baby steps to heal our own space, we can make great strides in healing our community, nation, and the world.
Posted by Guest Beli-Blogger Ford Church at August 22, 2003 9:12 AM
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Good thoughts, Mr. Church. What have I done to stop racism? I make people aware of racist jokes, point out institutional racism, & challenge the neo-modern conservative notions that modern blacks (educated post-slavery & post segregation, with suburban traits) encounter no distinct disadvantages and that modern whites incur reverse discimination. These views are prevalent yet lack an understanding of history and underlying ramifications of such a generic and unexamined belief. Reference the Court's affirmative action cases at the U of Michigan and my responses on this blog.
I think class would trump race as an unexamined privileged status. As President of the Joplin Junior Chamber (Jaycees)in 2002, I joined with the black community in the small town of Joplin, MO (45,000 people, 1100 black) to target that community for membership in the Jaycees.
Also, in terms of societal and personal tolerance & acceptance, add any person of color and add the minority genders - gay, lesbian, transgender, genderqueer - and the issue becomes even more pervasive. What are people afraid of???
Thank you for your comments Lee!
FC
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