G
Gandalf Grey
Guest
Wow!!! There's Racism in America!?!
By Stephen Rose
Created Mar 28 2008 - 11:00pm
The editorial board of my local newspaper recently made a comparison between
Senator Barack Obama's mention of his white grandmother's racial fears and
the rhetoric of Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Obama's friend and pastor of
twenty years. They stated: "But to have placed those fears of an old woman
as somehow parallel and equal to the rantings of Obama's chief spiritual
advisor just won't wash." Most of the nation clearly interpreted Obama's
statement as an attempt to confirm that racism does, and has existed in
American culture for quite some time, often hits close to home, and exists
in both blacks and whites. It's mostly been the right wing media attempting
to turn his statements into something else - ranting in anger before a
congregation, or crossing to the other side of a street out of fear, are
only different faces of the same coin. Perhaps my local paper agrees with
remarks by conservative pundit Pat Buchanan, who referred to Obama's
statement on MSNBC on March 21 by saying, "it ghettoizes him, takes him back
to his base."
Did we honestly expect to get through an election cycle that has an
African-American male running for President without the issue of race
surfacing sooner or later? And is it not better to have it come out now,
while we are still eight months out from the national election? That many
are shocked, or say they are, both by some of Reverend Jeremiah Wright's
statements, and Obama's post-Wright speech are either not really paying
attention to life on the planet and in their nation, or they are simply
disingenuous.
There is and has been at least two Americas (as well as many others) for a
long time, one white and one black. There are no doubt preachers in both
black and white churches influenced by this, especially if they grew up
during the era of segregation. This is not shocking. What is shocking is
that it has taken so long to become an issue in a national election.
Might some of Reverend Wright's statements appear disturbing to some people?
Sure. Does it cause anxiety for some that Senator Obama is a member of the
reverend's church, has known him for twenty years, and refers to him as a
friend and mentor? It might. Does it make Obama a racist? Not really. Might
he feel some resentment on some level, having grown up in an America that
doesn't exactly treat half of his DNA make-up with respect? Yes. I'd think
he was untrustworthy if he didn't. I don't want a man running for president
who is in complete denial regarding the prejudice aimed at the community of
which he has been a part for the last few hundred years. Does it mean he
won't
be fair with all people? No. In a man with real integrity and honesty it is
very possible this experience and empathy might make him even more sensitive
to the needs of everyone.
I find racism disturbing period, but, it is part of our culture. Any kind of
prejudice demonstrates limited thinking, and yet our society is a repository
for all kinds of prejudice-based bigotry. Our nation is replete with people
who have in some way been directly or indirectly discriminated against. Do I
have to mention every ethnic, religious and "fill in the blank__________"
group of people, including "women," that fall into this category? Do I have
to remind every individual who for whatever reasons has felt himself/herself
discriminated against in any fashion, if not only economically or socially?
I think not. Most of us have been on the short end of the stick for some
reason or other in our lifetimes. It's a good lesson in empathy and
compassion, albeit one not always learned.
I'm not sure which is more surprising, that Reverend Wright said the things
he did, or that so many Americans are so bent out of shape because they
finally found out. How many "white churches" have preachers who in their own
rhetorical styles incite some racial or bigoted responses of their own?
Overall styles may differ between most white and black churches, but this is
a natural result of varying cultures. So what?
Reverend John Hagee recently endorsed Senator McCain's campaign, which
McCain accepted, and then repudiated after some of Hagee's remarks were made
public. Then Hagee turned around and stated that it was McCain who had
sought his endorsement, and not he who volunteered it. The media hasn't
given this news anywhere near the coverage they gave to the Obama/Wright
story. Where's the outrage?
Reverend Hagee is the one who called the Catholic Church the "Great Whore,"
and just happened to mention that the Anti-Christ will be Jewish, and that
Muslims will be in the Devil's army at the time of Armageddon. You think he
might ever make inflammatory remarks in his church?
John McCain has claimed that Reverend Rod Parsley is his "spiritual guide."
There is an interesting article about Parsley's endorsement of McCain, as
well as some of his rather extreme views regarding those he considers the
enemies of Christianity at motherjones.com. [1] Parsley is the leader of a
12,000 member congregation in Columbus Ohio, and quite politically
influential in that state. According to Mother Jones:
"Parsley has written several books outlining his fundamentalist religious
outlook, including the 2005 Silent No More. In this work, Parsley decries
the "spiritual desperation" of the United States, and he blasts away at the
usual suspects: activist judges, civil libertarians who advocate the
separation of church and state, the homosexual "culture" ("homosexuals are
anything but happy and carefree"), the "abortion industry," and the crass
and profane entertainment industry. And Parsley targets another profound
threat to the United States: the religion of Islam.
In a chapter titled "Islam: The Deception of Allah," Parsley warns there
is a "war between Islam and Christian civilization." He continues:
"I cannot tell you how important it is that we understand the true nature
of Islam, that we see it for what it really is. In fact, I will tell you
this: I do not believe our country can truly fulfill its divine purpose
until we understand our historical conflict with Islam. I know that this
statement sounds extreme, but I do not shrink from its implications. The
fact is that America was founded, in part, with the intention of seeing this
false religion destroyed, and I believe September 11, 2001, was a
generational call to arms that we can no longer ignore."
I had not been aware that part of the United States' "divine purpose" was
defeating Islam, or that it was even part of an "historical conflict." I
don't
recall the Founding Fathers mentioning it.
I realize many Americans are now convinced, in no small part by the
ceaseless rhetoric of the Bush Administration, that America is at war with
Islam. We have been repeatedly told they hate everything we stand for. Is it
that, or do they resent our many decades of interfering in Middle Eastern
governments, based on what we want, not what they need? Whatever the case,
Reverend Parsley appears to represent that which he claims to fear, namely
religious bigotry and exclusivity. What are the chances that Reverend
Parsley makes inflammatory remarks against other races, ethnic groups and
those he judges unworthy by disagreement, in his own church?
I don't necessarily disagree with many of Reverend Wright's statements. Is
there, and has there been, anti-black sentiment in the United States? Have
whites and blacks been competing on an equal playing field? Is there cause
for resentment on all sides of this? I know slavery was real. How does this
compare with Hagee and Parsley's shameless opinionated bigotry against other
lifestyles, and religions? Where's the outrage against them, and Senator
McCain?
The point is not that such rhetoric in churches is outrageous, but that
perhaps it is not uncommon. We are all in some way exposed to extreme
viewpoints by some of those we associate with. And, I can't imagine many
organizations more susceptible to strong and extreme opinions, than those
based in religion. When you believe in absolutes, it's easy, and almost
mandatory, to dismiss others who don't share those beliefs. In fact, many
religions claim it is dangerous to associate with those who disagree. After
all, what could be more corrupting, or threatening than to associate with
those who don't adhere to "the word of God" as one sees it?
The time has finally come for an open dialogue on racism in America. We are
all affected by it in one way or another, and now is as good a time as any,
and better than most. In fact, the present political climate demands it! The
United States of America cannot hope any longer to successfully deal with
the rest of the world, politically, economically or socially, as long as it
continues to be a nation divided by its own denial, fears and prejudices.
There should no longer be two Americas based on color, a reality based in
ignorance and fear, not the religious morality we hear about constantly, and
see demonstrated much less often.
_______
"He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad."
--
NOTICE: This post contains copyrighted material the use of which has not
always been authorized by the copyright owner. I am making such material
available to advance understanding of
political, human rights, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues. I
believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of such copyrighted material as
provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright
Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107
"A little patience and we shall see the reign of witches pass over, their
spells dissolve, and the people recovering their true sight, restore their
government to its true principles. It is true that in the meantime we are
suffering deeply in spirit,
and incurring the horrors of a war and long oppressions of enormous public
debt. But if the game runs sometimes against us at home we must have
patience till luck turns, and then we shall have an opportunity of winning
back the principles we have lost, for this is a game where principles are at
stake."
-Thomas Jefferson
By Stephen Rose
Created Mar 28 2008 - 11:00pm
The editorial board of my local newspaper recently made a comparison between
Senator Barack Obama's mention of his white grandmother's racial fears and
the rhetoric of Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Obama's friend and pastor of
twenty years. They stated: "But to have placed those fears of an old woman
as somehow parallel and equal to the rantings of Obama's chief spiritual
advisor just won't wash." Most of the nation clearly interpreted Obama's
statement as an attempt to confirm that racism does, and has existed in
American culture for quite some time, often hits close to home, and exists
in both blacks and whites. It's mostly been the right wing media attempting
to turn his statements into something else - ranting in anger before a
congregation, or crossing to the other side of a street out of fear, are
only different faces of the same coin. Perhaps my local paper agrees with
remarks by conservative pundit Pat Buchanan, who referred to Obama's
statement on MSNBC on March 21 by saying, "it ghettoizes him, takes him back
to his base."
Did we honestly expect to get through an election cycle that has an
African-American male running for President without the issue of race
surfacing sooner or later? And is it not better to have it come out now,
while we are still eight months out from the national election? That many
are shocked, or say they are, both by some of Reverend Jeremiah Wright's
statements, and Obama's post-Wright speech are either not really paying
attention to life on the planet and in their nation, or they are simply
disingenuous.
There is and has been at least two Americas (as well as many others) for a
long time, one white and one black. There are no doubt preachers in both
black and white churches influenced by this, especially if they grew up
during the era of segregation. This is not shocking. What is shocking is
that it has taken so long to become an issue in a national election.
Might some of Reverend Wright's statements appear disturbing to some people?
Sure. Does it cause anxiety for some that Senator Obama is a member of the
reverend's church, has known him for twenty years, and refers to him as a
friend and mentor? It might. Does it make Obama a racist? Not really. Might
he feel some resentment on some level, having grown up in an America that
doesn't exactly treat half of his DNA make-up with respect? Yes. I'd think
he was untrustworthy if he didn't. I don't want a man running for president
who is in complete denial regarding the prejudice aimed at the community of
which he has been a part for the last few hundred years. Does it mean he
won't
be fair with all people? No. In a man with real integrity and honesty it is
very possible this experience and empathy might make him even more sensitive
to the needs of everyone.
I find racism disturbing period, but, it is part of our culture. Any kind of
prejudice demonstrates limited thinking, and yet our society is a repository
for all kinds of prejudice-based bigotry. Our nation is replete with people
who have in some way been directly or indirectly discriminated against. Do I
have to mention every ethnic, religious and "fill in the blank__________"
group of people, including "women," that fall into this category? Do I have
to remind every individual who for whatever reasons has felt himself/herself
discriminated against in any fashion, if not only economically or socially?
I think not. Most of us have been on the short end of the stick for some
reason or other in our lifetimes. It's a good lesson in empathy and
compassion, albeit one not always learned.
I'm not sure which is more surprising, that Reverend Wright said the things
he did, or that so many Americans are so bent out of shape because they
finally found out. How many "white churches" have preachers who in their own
rhetorical styles incite some racial or bigoted responses of their own?
Overall styles may differ between most white and black churches, but this is
a natural result of varying cultures. So what?
Reverend John Hagee recently endorsed Senator McCain's campaign, which
McCain accepted, and then repudiated after some of Hagee's remarks were made
public. Then Hagee turned around and stated that it was McCain who had
sought his endorsement, and not he who volunteered it. The media hasn't
given this news anywhere near the coverage they gave to the Obama/Wright
story. Where's the outrage?
Reverend Hagee is the one who called the Catholic Church the "Great Whore,"
and just happened to mention that the Anti-Christ will be Jewish, and that
Muslims will be in the Devil's army at the time of Armageddon. You think he
might ever make inflammatory remarks in his church?
John McCain has claimed that Reverend Rod Parsley is his "spiritual guide."
There is an interesting article about Parsley's endorsement of McCain, as
well as some of his rather extreme views regarding those he considers the
enemies of Christianity at motherjones.com. [1] Parsley is the leader of a
12,000 member congregation in Columbus Ohio, and quite politically
influential in that state. According to Mother Jones:
"Parsley has written several books outlining his fundamentalist religious
outlook, including the 2005 Silent No More. In this work, Parsley decries
the "spiritual desperation" of the United States, and he blasts away at the
usual suspects: activist judges, civil libertarians who advocate the
separation of church and state, the homosexual "culture" ("homosexuals are
anything but happy and carefree"), the "abortion industry," and the crass
and profane entertainment industry. And Parsley targets another profound
threat to the United States: the religion of Islam.
In a chapter titled "Islam: The Deception of Allah," Parsley warns there
is a "war between Islam and Christian civilization." He continues:
"I cannot tell you how important it is that we understand the true nature
of Islam, that we see it for what it really is. In fact, I will tell you
this: I do not believe our country can truly fulfill its divine purpose
until we understand our historical conflict with Islam. I know that this
statement sounds extreme, but I do not shrink from its implications. The
fact is that America was founded, in part, with the intention of seeing this
false religion destroyed, and I believe September 11, 2001, was a
generational call to arms that we can no longer ignore."
I had not been aware that part of the United States' "divine purpose" was
defeating Islam, or that it was even part of an "historical conflict." I
don't
recall the Founding Fathers mentioning it.
I realize many Americans are now convinced, in no small part by the
ceaseless rhetoric of the Bush Administration, that America is at war with
Islam. We have been repeatedly told they hate everything we stand for. Is it
that, or do they resent our many decades of interfering in Middle Eastern
governments, based on what we want, not what they need? Whatever the case,
Reverend Parsley appears to represent that which he claims to fear, namely
religious bigotry and exclusivity. What are the chances that Reverend
Parsley makes inflammatory remarks against other races, ethnic groups and
those he judges unworthy by disagreement, in his own church?
I don't necessarily disagree with many of Reverend Wright's statements. Is
there, and has there been, anti-black sentiment in the United States? Have
whites and blacks been competing on an equal playing field? Is there cause
for resentment on all sides of this? I know slavery was real. How does this
compare with Hagee and Parsley's shameless opinionated bigotry against other
lifestyles, and religions? Where's the outrage against them, and Senator
McCain?
The point is not that such rhetoric in churches is outrageous, but that
perhaps it is not uncommon. We are all in some way exposed to extreme
viewpoints by some of those we associate with. And, I can't imagine many
organizations more susceptible to strong and extreme opinions, than those
based in religion. When you believe in absolutes, it's easy, and almost
mandatory, to dismiss others who don't share those beliefs. In fact, many
religions claim it is dangerous to associate with those who disagree. After
all, what could be more corrupting, or threatening than to associate with
those who don't adhere to "the word of God" as one sees it?
The time has finally come for an open dialogue on racism in America. We are
all affected by it in one way or another, and now is as good a time as any,
and better than most. In fact, the present political climate demands it! The
United States of America cannot hope any longer to successfully deal with
the rest of the world, politically, economically or socially, as long as it
continues to be a nation divided by its own denial, fears and prejudices.
There should no longer be two Americas based on color, a reality based in
ignorance and fear, not the religious morality we hear about constantly, and
see demonstrated much less often.
_______
"He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad."
--
NOTICE: This post contains copyrighted material the use of which has not
always been authorized by the copyright owner. I am making such material
available to advance understanding of
political, human rights, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues. I
believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of such copyrighted material as
provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright
Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107
"A little patience and we shall see the reign of witches pass over, their
spells dissolve, and the people recovering their true sight, restore their
government to its true principles. It is true that in the meantime we are
suffering deeply in spirit,
and incurring the horrors of a war and long oppressions of enormous public
debt. But if the game runs sometimes against us at home we must have
patience till luck turns, and then we shall have an opportunity of winning
back the principles we have lost, for this is a game where principles are at
stake."
-Thomas Jefferson