The purpose of racism
I am often reminded racism, as with all human behavior has a purpose and a cost. Racism and other barriers we erect to avoid facing our own fears and wounds is often on my mind, but especially so during this time in our history in the United States.
This morning I was listening to the weekly podcast On Being with host Krista Tippett. She had a conversation with the journalist and book author Nehisi Coates. He is very clear that racism has nothing to do with people of color even though many may attempt to pin the responsibility on them.
We know, of course, that all isms – all barriers based on arbitrary differences of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age or differing ability - is about the need to avoid facing the fear that one is not enough. If a group Y can convince themselves they are better than group A because of X factor then, of course, group Y can avoid the fear and consequent pain of being them. This myth then becomes justification for economically, emotionally and spiritually attempting to rape group A.
James Cone, theologian, professor and author has written extensively
about the psychology of oppression. As I recall, he taught the basic system of oppression is:
I have greatly over simplified this process but one can grasp the basics.
If some members of group A do not buy the story then the system eventually breaks down. The group doing the oppression will, however, continue to blame the oppressed for causing trouble, being overly sensitive or mentally ill. The oppressor likely now believes his or her own story. Eventually, the entire system falls apart. Then it is up to the members of the group of oppressors to own the problem and decide if they are going to embark on a healing journey or attempt to pick a new group to oppress.
For the oppressed group the issue is not racism but focusing on how they are going to reclaim their power to take care of themselves and their loved ones.
All oppression has the same essential purpose. Today we have more oppressed groups of people speaking out and claiming their power and the tools they need to take care of themselves and their loved one.
As with any change in any part of a system there is a lot of turmoil and disorder. When any system is interrupted, it takes time to find a new balance. In the meantime the entire community will pay the economic, psychological, and spiritual price for the system of oppression.
Before change can occur it is imperative that society understand and accept the basic purpose and the cost of that system.
Written November 18, 2017
I am often reminded racism, as with all human behavior has a purpose and a cost. Racism and other barriers we erect to avoid facing our own fears and wounds is often on my mind, but especially so during this time in our history in the United States.
This morning I was listening to the weekly podcast On Being with host Krista Tippett. She had a conversation with the journalist and book author Nehisi Coates. He is very clear that racism has nothing to do with people of color even though many may attempt to pin the responsibility on them.
We know, of course, that all isms – all barriers based on arbitrary differences of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age or differing ability - is about the need to avoid facing the fear that one is not enough. If a group Y can convince themselves they are better than group A because of X factor then, of course, group Y can avoid the fear and consequent pain of being them. This myth then becomes justification for economically, emotionally and spiritually attempting to rape group A.
James Cone, theologian, professor and author has written extensively
about the psychology of oppression. As I recall, he taught the basic system of oppression is:
- A person or group of people decides that they will boost their self-esteem and their sense of worth by gaining power and/or possessions.
- They choose some arbitrary distinguishing characteristic of a group (call it B) of people. This could be eye color, race, height, religion or whatever.
- They create a story/myth that the groups they are going to oppress/use are inferior because of that characteristic.
- They systematically began to find way to deny access to the tools, which allow group A to function in society (education and other resources).
- Group A begins to internalize the message that something is wrong with them.
- Group A shows gratitude (or fake gratitude) to their oppressors.
I have greatly over simplified this process but one can grasp the basics.
If some members of group A do not buy the story then the system eventually breaks down. The group doing the oppression will, however, continue to blame the oppressed for causing trouble, being overly sensitive or mentally ill. The oppressor likely now believes his or her own story. Eventually, the entire system falls apart. Then it is up to the members of the group of oppressors to own the problem and decide if they are going to embark on a healing journey or attempt to pick a new group to oppress.
For the oppressed group the issue is not racism but focusing on how they are going to reclaim their power to take care of themselves and their loved ones.
All oppression has the same essential purpose. Today we have more oppressed groups of people speaking out and claiming their power and the tools they need to take care of themselves and their loved one.
As with any change in any part of a system there is a lot of turmoil and disorder. When any system is interrupted, it takes time to find a new balance. In the meantime the entire community will pay the economic, psychological, and spiritual price for the system of oppression.
Before change can occur it is imperative that society understand and accept the basic purpose and the cost of that system.
Written November 18, 2017
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