I didn’t take the “Are You Racially Biased?” test yet, and I definately wasn’t surprised that all but one of the white test takers showed a moderate preference for those of European descent. I mean racial bias is subtle. White folks tend to group together, but so do blacks.
However, it’s pure foolishness to think that whites and blacks experience the consequences of racial bias in the same ways, because we just don’t — which is something I think many white folks just don’t get. I get annoyed with the, “See! Blacks are racist too!” type declarations, because they indicate a sorry lack of basic knowledge about the ins and outs of societal racism. Racism is ultimately about the power to use racial bias to cripple and disengage. It’s not about whether you wanna sit across from, or next to, me in a restaurant.
A Nappy Girl
I understand. Being a “WHITE DUDE” - I have had the privelage of being “discipled” in my Christian walk by mostly black folks (got saved in black church and such). My eyes were oped spiritually, however, my eyes were OPENED culturally as well. When I started (LISTENING-KEY WORD) to the stories of other black people and started to hear stories of racism and PAIN - it was then i started to UNDERSTAND the reality of the society we live - it was white dominated and racist. Most of my early discipleship was formed by the BIBLE and Black History (DuBois, Malcolm, King, and S. Truth) - so my persepctive on racism started to take on a whole differnent view (a view that understood more of the “Black Experience” of racism. Because of the relationships I have with balck folks in my life (my wife Edwinna who is A.American as well) it will never be the same. I believe it is important for white folks to READ, LISTEN AND INTENTIONALLY LEARN about the BLACK EXPERIENCE before they started getting “ALL OPINIONATED” about racism. It is my opinion that Racism is “PREJUDICE PLUS POWER” - and white folks benifit off a society that is institutionally racist at its core…well let me stop…GOD BLESS
Jamey,
I believe you do understand. But I think there are a combination of factors (you named them) that contribute to your willingness (cuz if you’re not willing to enter in and try to see things from a minority perspective you will NEVER get it) to understand the Black experience in America.
I believe it’s much easier and much more comfortable to ask, “Can’t we all just get along?” (the answer is “no”, btw), rather than ask, “What can I do to move blacks and whites to a better understanding of one another”. The latter requires much more…work. Jesus Christ makes the difference, for those of us who really are His disciples. We gotta start with the church, and then we can reach outward because we’ll be an example to show others how to deal with and overcome racist attitudes.
God bless you, Jamey 8)
Hello! I just found this blog when I did a google search for black Christian blogs. And I must say, I like the look of things around here. I’ll have to put you on my blogs to remember list.
Now, about this post…as a multi-ethnic woman (part black), I agree with you on the point that racism isn’t the same for everyone. Blacks, whites, Asians, Latinos, etc. all have different racial common racism experiences, but with whites the big difference is that they have the majority “power” in this country. And it’s really sad that some white people just don’t get it. A prime example is Rosie O’Donnell and her “ching chong” comment about Asians. She wants them to just get over it because it was a “joke” and refuses to admit or apoligize that it was a racist comment. You can check out http://www.racialicious.com to get more info about this. So yeah…
Good post!!
Karen,
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your comments. I just added you to my blogroll, so I’ll be visiting on a regular basis.
Keep pressin’ towards the mark…:)