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Thread: Modern Day Racism & White Evangelicals. Most white evangelicals I know would give a hearty amen to this statement by @BethMooreLPM without a thought as to the somewhat commonplace racist thoughts, words and actions that, tragically, continue to permeate our communities.
2/ In my experience, just my saying this would elicit rye rolls, scoffs, ‘get a grip’s reactions from many (maybe most) in my community. I’m going to give specific examples in this thread in effort to help those who genuinely don’t understand why this is a thing. Do not think
3/ b/c you may know where I’ve worked or worshipped that you know precisely where these examples have come from. You don’t. So don’t try, don’t embellish. Even as I, with trepidation, try to illuminate the reality I’ve experienced, many do not fit these examples & I’m thankful.
4/ But the “what could they be talking about?” responses need to be answered by more of us. It grieves me deeply that countless brothers and sisters of color have patiently tried to tell us for so long. I’ve seen more grace & endurance & love from them than I could ever muster.
5/ my teen daughter just came back from a large youth group retreat of a large white evangelical church in our city. She described how many of the kids used the N word as if it were nothing. when she pushed back, the white kids at youth group said they had ‘passes’ to say it
6/ I’d be rich if I had a dollar for the quick ‘joke’ about perceived black culture (making fun of common names, making fun of the way someone spoke). And yes I always tried to call it out, though it was so common place, I fear I may not always have done it as I should.
7/ in professional type settings, several times white prople used the N word. I was utterly shocked & speechless and followed up both times to call it out.
8/ people in white evangelical culture often spoke quite openly about their discomfort with biracial marriage and multiethnic families (I have one) without the slightest thought of the ugly racist underbelly to their thoughts, words & actions.
9/ and make no mistake, to a person, these white evangelicals would extend kindness to most every individual person without giving a thought to the systemic problems in society or their own hearts toward people of color.
10/ our kids are Asian/Pacific Islander and they’ve experienced regular “teasing” about the shape of their eyes or Asian language. Once this team “teasing” was led by a high school coach. The examples I’ve given (just a few) were mostly adults, mostly white evangelicals VERY
11/ concerned about the moral trajectory of our nation, all the while they cheer Donald Trump & Fox News in between bible study & church where they worry about the liberals trying to dilute the gospel with their cares about social justice. (Usually great sneering & indignation)
12/ so ....if you can’t understand ‘what all the fuss is about with racism and white supremacy’ please consider that the problem may be in your lack of understanding not with the concern of others who are trying to lead us toward a place of peace, truth & love, as Jesus desired.
