Ah, the United States of America. A sociological specimen of the highest degree. As Coates exposed the country of my birth as a destroyer of black lives, I could only agree. Not only did I agree but I was reminded of the many people that have been celebrated by this nation. Christopher Columbus had his own special day, yet he is responsible for the rape, pillage, and execution of Native Americans. Andrew Jackson is placed on currency, yet he betrayed the tribe and leader who saved his very life. How naïve we are to think that this country was not founded and built on the flayed backs of the humans who were not of the "right skin color." Even given the opportunity to move forward, American society decided that it would continue the systematic oppression of those deemed unfit. Internment of the Japanese during World War II while German communities lived without fear of aggression. Jim Crowe laws, segregation laws, voting laws. Have we changed? Or have we simply moved on to a more violent, more public type of oppression? Police brutality, white supremacy, nationalism. The question that I wish to be answered: When will it end?
As I read Coates description of the fear that grips the African-American community, my heart became heavy, my lungs constricted, and mind began to race. I will not hesitate to admit that I became emotional. As I stopped to view the vivid picture of intrinsic fear that permeated Coates life, I had to read only one page at a time. It struck me when I was least expecting it. I could see the events that Coates described and I could smell the air and I could hear the sounds and I could, even if it was the mildest of doses, feel the fear. It was something that I had never felt in my life. A sense of overhanging darkness that could not be disposed of were I to go to the sun itself.
One of the lines that really resonated with me was when Coates announced racism as the father of race, not the product. For it is in this that the truth of racism is found. Without racism, there is no need to categorize people by their appearance. A person is not born with notions of human division. It is instilled, taught, and theorized with reckless abandon. Within this sad reality is where the oppression lies. Shall we modify our minds to see people for who they are? Beings of the universe, of the earth, who long for love, care, interaction, and freedom just as much as anyone else. We are the image-bearers of Christ. We! Not you, not I, not those people, not your people, not my people. All people. Everyone. Consider and be challenged, for life is far too short to be complacent.
As I read Coates description of the fear that grips the African-American community, my heart became heavy, my lungs constricted, and mind began to race. I will not hesitate to admit that I became emotional. As I stopped to view the vivid picture of intrinsic fear that permeated Coates life, I had to read only one page at a time. It struck me when I was least expecting it. I could see the events that Coates described and I could smell the air and I could hear the sounds and I could, even if it was the mildest of doses, feel the fear. It was something that I had never felt in my life. A sense of overhanging darkness that could not be disposed of were I to go to the sun itself.
One of the lines that really resonated with me was when Coates announced racism as the father of race, not the product. For it is in this that the truth of racism is found. Without racism, there is no need to categorize people by their appearance. A person is not born with notions of human division. It is instilled, taught, and theorized with reckless abandon. Within this sad reality is where the oppression lies. Shall we modify our minds to see people for who they are? Beings of the universe, of the earth, who long for love, care, interaction, and freedom just as much as anyone else. We are the image-bearers of Christ. We! Not you, not I, not those people, not your people, not my people. All people. Everyone. Consider and be challenged, for life is far too short to be complacent.
As Americans, you can't help but feel guilty. I didn't understanding the shocking truths behind the history stories until I was older. I can't help but ask the question why? Is that where is starts? Is there harm in not telling the whole story? I look forward to hearing what Coates has to say as we go through "Between the World and Me."
ReplyDeleteJosiah I really appreciate your effort to articulate and connect history with the current condition of race relationships today. You demonstrate empathy and a desire for justice and unity which is admirable. I appreciate your sense of urgency and how your words inspire others to come with you. You are a gifted writer and hope you continue to use your writing for this important kingdom work.
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