THE CALL AND THE CHALLENGE TO ADDRESS RACISM
By Sr. Brenda Walsh , Racine Dominican
In a recent
communication from IDI, Dominicans were asked to address racism at a personal
and institutional level. Some progress has been made in recent times, but there
is still a growing need to address the issue at a deeper level.
HOW DO
WE DEFINE RACISM?
We need a
common definition of racism in order to shape our goals and to put them into
practice. In the past, racism was defined as bigotry and prejudice. Today. our
understanding goes well beyond that definition. It includes individual, communal
and institutional attitudes and actions. It implies prejudice and power based on
the belief that one race or group of people is superior to another group.
Judgments made by the dominant group will often lead to discrimination and
conflict, and even violence and wars. Racism not only dehumanizes the oppressed,
but also the oppressors and hinders full growth and development. Now is the time
for us to go deeper in addressing racism in its many forms.
Institutional racism can be found in many of the organizations where our members
are involved – in our schools, among faculty and staff and on boards. It can
also be found in health care institutions, in social service agencies and law
enforcement groups. People are not often aware of the set of shared beliefs and
assumptions that undergird the economic, social and professional disparities
that often result in White power and privilege. Some church leaders have called
racism the major sin of the 21st. century. Racism is very evident
today, and the suffering resulting from it is experienced not only in the
African American community but also among the Latino population , especially
among the large number of immigrants coming to this country to make a living for
their families and to get away from all the domination and violence in their
native environments. The UN recently said that preference based on race, color
or national origin cannot be perpetuated and must be eradicated as soon as
possible. We can no longer avoid this responsibility. The changing demographics
in the U.S. and other places is very evident. By 2050, minorities will make up
more than 50% of the population. They are African American, Hispanic Americans
and many other cultures. As a Christian people, we are called to look at the
facts and work to create a world according to God’s design and to put our faith
beliefs into practice.
Fr. Richard
Rohr and many other scholars emphasize the need to study Scripture and to make
the Word of God the foundation of our social justice work. We all belong to the
same human race and all are made in the image and likeness of God. We are all
loved by God and we are called to love one another as Jesus loves us. (John
13:L34) We are called to live this belief in all aspects of our lives. To deny
this fact is a denial of God’s hope for all humanity. In the words of Scripture,
there is neither Jew not Greek, slave or free, male or female. All are one in
Christ. (Gal. 3:28)
How would
we describe a community free of racism? It would be a place of forgiveness,
love, respect and appreciation for all residents and white power and privilege
would no longer be misused. People would be learning to live together in care
and compassion, in justice and peace. Children would attend the school of their
choice and have no fear of prejudice or racial practices. Teachers would be
trained to be sensitive and understanding of people of other cultures. Adults
would speak out courageously against racist attitudes or actions wherever they
are found. Children would be well prepared for school because their basic human
needs have been met through community agencies and in their homes. From a faith
perspective , they would be taught and learn from experience the need for love,
compassion and respect for each other. Then they could celebrate each other’s
goodness and giftedness given to all by a loving good, and to be used for the
common good.
In our
Racine Dominican Community , we purchased a film called “Cracking the Code – a
system of racial inequality.” It gives a comprehensive coverage of racism. It
addresses bias and white power and privilege in economics, institutional and
structural racism and shares ways to transform our lives and institutions to be
fair and just in our practices and to eliminate all forms of racism. The film
can be used with many different groups such as educators, health care providers,
law enforcement agencies and business groups. You can download the Conversation
Guide at world-trust.org – 2012 World Trust Educational Service, Inc. Another
film is Skin Deep.
Other
suggestions are:
1.
To take a strong stand against racial injustice wherever we find it. More
listening and sharing is needed with people of color and other cultures and to
invite their response. We can incorporate their suggestions for addressing
racism at various levels. Help them share their experiences of racism and help
them articulate what they see as a solution.
2.
To pray together as groups. Think of the Jesus prayer: “I pray that all may be
one, as I am in you and you in me.” Look at the perceptions that keep us apart
and dismantle them. Try to understand the struggles of people who are isolated
and alienated. Listen to their pain and frustration and anger.
3.
To help people who are disadvantaged to prepare and be available for leadership
roles, either in public or private life. No effort we make is too small to make
a difference and bring hope to those who need it the most.