Are you surprised by the outpouring of anger, violence, and destruction across our country? Are you surprised at the peaceful protest movement that has swept through our states and cities over the unjust killing of one man, George Floyd? People of color in our land are not surprised. The fact that you and I as white Americans are surprised by these is all the evidence we need to prove White Privilege.
Yes, I said you and I. Not bigots, not white supremacists, not Neo Nazis, and not even “those people.” I have said many times until we recognize the racism buried deep within our own being, not much will happen to stem the tide of racism. For some time we have fooled ourselves into thinking everything is better now. The protests and violence are loud statements this is not so and it has not been so. We have fooled ourselves because we have ourselves been fooled. We deny and bury our own prejudice. We placate ourselves by having some others to blame. We lift ourselves by putting down some other persons or groups. We rationalize our own imperfections while “noticing” and criticizing others for theirs.
What do you see when looters raid stores and police cars are burned? Do you simply say you see people to blame, or do you see a symptom of a deep sickness? The sickness has been festering for just over 400 years. Do you see yourself as having received and infected others with this sickness?
America has been called a melting pot. I prefer the metaphor of stew with many tasty ingredients and seasonings all retaining their individual contributory tastes to make our eating more profound and interesting.
I would say I see the stew that is America, full of these varied and tasty ingredients, has become rancid. Actually, there was always a bitter taste in this stew. We were just too busy scarfing it down to notice. Those forced to eat slowly and carefully always knew of the existence of some bitter ingredients.
We need to change the recipe. And we need to see ourselves as chefs just as much as we see ourselves as those who dine on this stew. While too many cooks may spoil the broth, we need a recipe that expands beyond our own tastes. Others have culinary gifts to make. We need to explore with them just which seasonings produce the bitterness. On our own, we have not figured it out.
I fear this stew is about to boil over. I am not sure how to improve this stew, but I know turning up the heat will not be helpful.
What about this for a new recipe:
- First, in preparing this stew, make a plan for the ingredients
- Second, prepare this recipe with a mirror nearby to examine yourself as you stir the pot
- 1 pound of repentance
- 2 cups of dialog with intense listening
- 3/4 cup prayer
- blend fully with Jesus’ command to love the neighbor
- Serve with a wedge of Jesus’ call to not fear
- Add at least another splash of repentance
This stew is best enjoyed by eating slowly and in the presence of others, particularly those who might not normally be seen gathering around your table. Vary the color and country of origin of the wine that accompanies this dish as you prepare it over the years.
Let’s not hide this as a family recipe. Let’s get it all out in the open so we can deal with it and make the best recipe possible.
Struggling with my own bigotry, I remain your pastor,
Gary N. McCluskey
Pastor
University Lutheran Church, Lutheran Campus Ministry
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ