“What – me? Oh, no, I’m not a bigot. I’m not prejudiced. I’m okay with everybody.” It’s the quick caveat people make when attempting to discuss touchy “isms” like racism, sexism, ageism, able-ism, along with the sundry “human phobia” categories like homophobia and xenophobia. We like to think of ourselves as being egalitarian, tolerant, and open-minded. We want to be perceived as sophisticated and urbane, and politically correct enough to fit the social order of the day. But if raw honesty is admitted, everybody falls short and has some soul work to do—some more than others.
Think of the way people are sorted – by races, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, political persuasion, abilities and skills, marital status, citizenship, economic status, health, religious affiliations, education level—all of which have potential for exclusion of benefit by power brokers in various arenas. Bigotry is based on how people treat the “others” in the community, what opportunities are available, and what restrictions are imposed—socially, economically, politically.
How does that translate into ordinary lives that claim little to no political, social, or economic power? Is it possible to honestly assess how much we either ignore or participate in systems that deny equal access for an individual? And if we do, what are the options for correction? These questions are not only for society at large, they are for each of us in our spheres of influence.
Preference is often based on what we see in the mirror as compared with the outer community. Let’s face it, people tend to be more comfortable with the kind of image they see in the mirror. But in a world that is rapidly becoming exponentially multi-everything, the mirror needs to get bigger. Being tolerant does not mean you will fall in love with everyone. It means that your preferences are NOT based on stereotypes. It doesn’t say one is better than another, it simply means a personal preference. I like blue more than purple. That doesn’t mean purple is not a good or nice color. However, when preference is based on stereotypes and institutionalized “isms,” prejudice (prejudging based on stereotype) and bigotry become the basis of exclusionary interaction or worse, the added dimension of political, social, and economic power. For individuals, I think the deeper issue is to what degree popular stereotypes influence personal preference even when one is committed to inclusion. Soul searching is definitely required.
Exposure or representation is just the beginning of the process of replacing stereotypes with real inclusion. Mere numerical representation does not necessarily mean inclusion. Legal affirmative action policies were based on numerical representation in hiring practices. It did accomplish more representation of minorities and provide exposure of more diversity to employees, and no doubt did increase levels of trust and acceptance for many. However, it took a few decades to figure out the holes in the initiative. Taking it to a church setting, which interests me most, mere representation of various ethnicities, races, or other social groupings, is a start but it’s not enough. Intentional inclusion and integration in all aspects of church life means more.
Common worldview and interests are some of the building blocks of relationships. Having an annual international dinner is nice and good, but is just not enough. Real inclusion requires intentionality on the part of everyone interested in real integration. Take the time to get to know one another’s history, individually and collectively. That may require some in-depth reading of historical primary documents and scholarly works. It definitely requires us to have some honest and respectful conversations about one another’s worldviews and what formed them—face to face—and accept that they may not be the same as yours. Find common ground interests and pursue them. Appreciate one another hopes and aspirations, but furthermore, be a conduit of help to actualize those hopes and dreams wherever possible. How else can we take Galatians 3:28 seriously? “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:28).” Let’s love one another—for real.
Copyright 2017 by Eva Benevento. All rights reserved.
Photo by Joe Shillington