Is Racism a Thing of the Past?
Someone sent me an email sharing the opinion that:
1.) Racism is a thing of the past.
2.) The election of President Barack Obama proves racism no longer exists in America.
3.) Writing about any one race promotes a “victim mentality.”
4.) We should only read about good people of all races.
I love when people respond to my posts because it inspires me to think deeply and passionately. It does indeed create an ongoing conversation.
Here, in no particular order, are a couple of my thoughts in response to this email.
1.) Victim Mentality? No. Victor Mentality!
Writing about the heroes of a given culture is designed to encourage people of all cultures. When I write on the Heroes of Black History, I focus on a victor mentality. In fact, much of my writings come from my book with the title Beyond the Suffering. Beyond communicates this Victor Mentality.
2.) Valuing Diversity throughout Eternity
Even if racism were wiped from the face of the earth, I believe Scripture still values diversity throughout eternity. We will celebrate unity in diversity in heaven for all eternity according to Revelation 7:9-10.
The end of racism would not be the end of diversity. It would be the beginning of unity in diversity. There’s a world of difference.
3.) Racism Has Yet to Be Defeated
I would love to believe that one election implies the end of all racism, prejudice, and bias in America. I fear that would be a naïve conclusion.
Practically, we have no way of knowing what motivated the 49% of people who did not vote for an African American President. Theologically, I believe that sinfulness will not be eradicated until heaven. So, sadly, the hideous sin of prejudice and racism will never totally be eliminated until all sin is eliminated. However, we should progressively work toward that eradication every day.
4.) Walking the Talk
I always find it interesting when someone says, “Let’s just read about good people of all races and not focus on just one race!”
Here’s the thing. I like to follow-up with the question, “So tell me the most recent history book you read that talked about anyone other than dead white guys…”
Or, I’ll ask, “So tell me some great heroes who are from a culture different from yours…”
Of course, 99% of people can’t provide an answer. In theory, we say we want to read about all people of all cultures. In reality, most general studies books on American history are only about the dead white guys. And most of us read only about people who are like us.
Now, I’m not against the dead white guys. One day I will be one of them! I wrote my Ph.D. dissertation on one of them: Martin Luther.
I just happen to be of the conviction that fair and balance history is still not being written. That’s why I also write on Heroes of Black Church History. And why I also write on Heroines of Church History. Writing about the heroes of a given culture is designed to encourage people of all cultures.
Let the Conversation Continue
And what do you think?
