Rhetoric Race and Religion
by Dameon E. Madison
Just for a moment, let us pause to consider the realities in the midst of the illusion we voice. There has been much push back and accusations of race-baiting to have come alongside the #BlackLivesMatter movement. There have been many to argue that race is no longer an issue in 2015, an era where we have the first African-American President in the history of our nation. The push back of racial concerns and benchmarking of the presidency of Barack Obama has found its home in the phrase #AllLivesMatter. It is in this phrase that many find a peace, which rests in the illusion of a society – a society that does not exist.
#AllLivesMatter is a truth. It is something to behold. As a Christian I embrace the love of Christ, which is exemplified in loving our neighbor as ourselves, and honoring that we are ALL God’s creation. In God, yes, we ALL matter. It is beautiful to behold God’s ability to create such a wonderful and diverse people. Beyond Christendom, simple moral possession and cognitive appreciation provides the gifting of all humanity as valued, valuable, and worthy of respect and honor. Thoughtful ability affords the opportunity to recognize that difference is not deficiency rather a moment of appreciation for the grandeur of uniqueness and collaborative possibility. In the words of Bishop Joseph Walker, III “We are better together.” However, in the context of sociological happening, this possibility eludes us.
When cataloging recent events alone (not to mention this country’s history) the evidence is clear #AllLivesMatter except when you don’t. The obviousness of inequity in treatment economically, politically, within the criminal justice system, academically, and even in our churches – is difficult not to see. The blatant racial systems of the past, emerged as a system designed to disenfranchise, and as recently re-emerged anew in color-blind rhetoric often distracting from reality.
Illusion has stolen our sight.
The illusion that comes with a phrase like #AllLivesMatter assumes that our country does not have a history of oppression from which it has not healed. This phrase assumes that racism does not exist in modern day society. This phrase assumes that ignorance is not at play in the positioning of our politics. This phrase assumes that oppression is a thing of the past. This phrase assumes that we see the need for “liberty and justice for all.” #BlackLivesMatter is not a statement of exception or mantling of greater importance. Rather, a declaration that these lives to matter in a society, which in its sociological function divorced the two.
We must be conscious of the illusions we give voice to and decide to open blind eyes with which we view our reality. We cannot fix what we will not face. The realities of the “isms” of our society must be confronted and open to change and re-construction. The mindsets of a people must be shifted, educated and thoughtful. Our love must live beyond a conversational moment and manifest in a making of difference. The church can no longer live in the eschatological hope that all “will” be better or embrace “capitalistic theology” that divorces itself from reality. We must see the issues of the world and live our call to change.
From the church to academia, living room to the sidewalk, coffee shop to office park – the illusion can no longer stand. This is a REAL time for REAL change .
Dameon E. Madison is a R3 Contributor
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In