BTSF in chronological order (most recent articles appear first):

Friday, August 31, 2012

Friday Fruit (08/31/12)


On Fridays, BTSF offers links to other discussions about race & Christianity. It's an opportunity for you to read about racial justice & Christianity from other folks, and for me to give props to the shoulders on which I stand...

Weekly Round Up:
  • Ruchi & Dave: A beautiful testimony of a multicultural wedding
    • Thanks for the rec, Diane!

These are some of BTSF's links of interest this week. What are yours?

Feel free to contribute your own links in the comments section, or submit items you feel should be included during the week. Self-promotion is encouraged. 

Monday, August 27, 2012

Implicit Associations of Racism

Please welcome back Ryan Hansen, a graduate student in clinical psychology. He writes about the subconscious effects that racism has in split-second decisions:

The paradox of modern racism is that we live in a culture in which few people will admit to being racist, yet one has only to look at demographic data on income, healthcare disparities, and incarceration rates to realize that racism still exists.

Dr. Anthony Greenwald asserts that implicit associations underlie many of the stereotypes and prejudices that cause so much harm in our society.   Dr. Greenwald’s research helps to explain the aforementioned paradox by showing that even some of the most well-intentioned people can hold implicit attitudes and more easily pair good attributes with Caucasian individuals and negative attributes with Black individuals.

Dr. Anthony Greenwald
If you haven’t tried it before, I suggest participating in Dr. Greenwald’s experiments online, which can show you empirically how often your split-second decisions regarding race can be surprisingly biased. If you just completed the experiment linked above, you most likely had an easier time paring good words with Caucasian faces and negative words with Black faces than the reverse (often regardless of your own race).

Often, this result is interpreted as showing that most individuals have implicitly positive attitudes toward Caucasians and implicitly negative attitudes toward Black people. However, Dr. Greenwald recently made the point that it could also be interpreted as having a neutral attitude toward Black people and a substantially more positive attitude toward Caucasians, particularly if you are Caucasian.

There is no shortage of research suggesting that we tend to like people who are like us, and are more likely to help them out as a consequence. Often preferential treatment (particularly of loved ones and family) isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if done systematically, it can have consequences that are just as horrible as if one were deliberately trying to be racist (see post: Microaggressions).

Often, finding jobs and other opportunities rely as much on favors and networking as they do on objective qualifications, and if white individuals are much more likely to have a friend/neighbor/relative to help their career along, the net effect can be almost as bad as if employers hung a sign saying “Non-whites need not apply.”

Similarly, I know that I would have had little chance of completing my master’s degree if I had not benefited from a thousand acts of kindness, from mentors who took me under their wing, to friends and family who pressured me to fill out applications, to university bursars who made exceptions when I had filled out the wrong forms. Dr. Greenwald’s research suggests that if I had been a racial minority, in each of those thousands of interactions, there would likely have been a fractional second of implicitly biased thinking, and the effects of those milliseconds could add up into countless missed opportunities, hassles, and unintentionally racist acts.

These findings have tremendous implications for us as Christians. Jesus did not say to “do unto others who are like you as you would have done to you” (Luke 6:31). Jesus, as a Jew, went out of his way to minister to other ethnic minorities, such as the Samaritans and the Gentiles, as well as other groups that other Jews would have had both implicit and explicit negative attitudes toward (such as tax-collectors and prostitutes). In Mathew 25:31-40, Jesus explicitly says that we are to minister to strangers, and that this will be one of the criterion by which we will be judged when he comes again in glory.

Most of us, when asked if we are racist, try to determine if we have done anything overtly negative that we know of. However, we must also ask ourselves if we have been as nice, kind, or helpful to others that are different from us as we are to individuals who are similar.

I believe that until we, both individually and as a society, are able to answer that question in the affirmative, we are not living out Jesus’s will to “love (all) our neighbors as ourselves” and truly live in the communion of the Church as he intended.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Friday Fruit (08/24/12)


On Fridays, BTSF posts links to some of the week's happenings.  
It's an opportunity for you to read about racial justice & Christianity from other folks, and for me to give props to the shoulders on which I stand...

Weekly Round Up:

These are some of BTSF's links of interest this week. What are yours?

Feel free to contribute your own links in the comments section, or submit items you feel should be included during the week. Self-promotion is encouraged. 

Monday, August 20, 2012

First Class Flight: Contradictions in Faith

Please welcome back guest blogger Brittany Browne. She is a mission intern with the UMC General Board of Global Ministries and reflects on some of what she's been learning:

I recently took a first-class flight while returning home from a three-week training that encompassed multiple seminars and workshops related to power, privilege, systems of oppression and more. While I understand and appreciate the board’s intentions to make me feel comfortable, and get me to my next destination the most cost-effective and timely manner, the intentions contradicted the messages I received throughout training.

The training was hosted by the General Board of Global Ministries for the United Methodist Church, an agency dedicated to connecting the church in mission from a global perspective. During training, my colleagues and I were invited to break the chains of bondage relating to power and privilege.

The first-class flight was contradicting because the oath that I pledged a few days before stated that I would vow to become a co-creator of God’s work of liberation, justice and faith. But then I had immediately become, for a moment, an active participant in the very same systems of oppression that I spoke about breaking.

It’s easy to say that such a thing was beyond my control because the flight was already scheduled, or for some other reason that takes the blame off of me but the reality is, we all in some ways participate in the same systems that we talk about that are unequal, unjust and so forth. Perhaps the bigger question is ‘why?’

What are airlines really valuing when they offer these first-class options? Higher profits? More loyal customers? Is a subliminal message being portrayed that these things are most important at the expense of perpetuating class wars

What are we saying as a church body when we participate in such a structure as well? Is it too hard for us to say that because this is the only flight option, I will ride with another airline? Of course, things at face value are sometimes more complicated then they seem on the surface, but what does it mean to go deeper in order that justice in some slightly small way may be served better?

United Methodist Pastor, Lorenza Andrade Smith posed the question, “How do we live simply, so that others can simply live?

This is a question that we constantly wrestle with in many aspects, but specifically in matters of social class. While on the flight, I also noticed the differences of treatment in first-class compared to economy: the “welcome address” was offered by the CEO of the airline through the LCD monitors while the welcome address for the attendees in economy were given by the flight attendant. 

What is being said by the CEO to a particular group of people that can not be said to others in a different section of the airline? Likewise, the technology was more advanced in first-class compared to any other section on the plane. The publications and movie selections were even different and were offered in different languages for first-class flight attendees, compared to simply two standard language options for economy: English or Spanish.

So, what are we really purchasing when it comes to buying a first class ticket, literally and spiritually? In many ways, and like the purchase of other products, we feel we are paying for convenience, comfortability, and overall better quality, but what does that fulfill in lieu of our understanding of loving our neighbor as Christians? We are living and participating in a society that says honor and luxury are terms associated with first class.

How do we stay alert to our active participation in roles of power, privilege and social class? Furthermore, when we recognize our participation, how do we begin to break the chains of bondage that we are so comfortable participating within? It’s easy to dismiss certain situations by stating ‘that doesn’t apply to me' or 'I’m not affected by that’ but these statements are the same statements that put us into social class categories and keep us bound to stereotypes involving class issues

It is imperative for us as a collective body of Christ to remember that “iron sharpens iron” and we can only embrace this teaching by putting feet on our conversations and stepping out of the contradictions of systems that we proclaim to be counter to the gospel. We must model it well, first.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Friday Fruit (08/17/12)


On Fridays, BTSF posts links to some of the week's happenings.  
It's an opportunity for you to read about racial justice & Christianity from other folks, and for me to give props to the shoulders on which I stand...

Weekly Round Up:

These are some of BTSF's links of interest this week. What are yours?

Feel free to contribute your own links in the comments section, or submit items you feel should be included during the week. Self-promotion is encouraged. 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Whose Bad Economy?

In today's economy, we hear a lot about the financial struggles of the country. But while we often debate issues of white-collar economics, the struggles of lower-income groups are disparaged.

It is increasingly difficult for the average worker to support a family. In most states, minimum wage is well below the living wage (there is a big difference between the two). This leads to a number of harrowing consequences.

When folks are desperate for work, they will endure any number of abuses or indignities. They may work in dangerous environments, or be paid less than promised. Workers may be given insufficient training, leading to injury or embarrassment when they don't perform to standards.

Employees may be held at work long after their shift is over, if that is what the boss deems necessary. Maybe they need to pick the kids up from school, but they don't dare leave and risk losing their jobs. Workers may be required to maintain an open schedule to be placed in shifts as is convenient for the company, but may not be told their schedule until the last minute, and so cannot line up child care or other jobs.

Folks may spend an hour on the bus to get to a job, only to arrive and find out they aren't needed that day. Or they work for two hours and then get sent home. "Try again tomorrow." And if they don't show up for that chance, they know they loose the opportunity for later.

There are serious consequences of this labor disparity. Workers skip meals so that their children may eat. Folks turn to loan sharks to make ends meet, entrenching themselves in a spiral of debt (see post: The Cost of Being Poor). Families make tough choices to cut out "non-essentials" like medicine (see post: Healthcare Reform), clothing, and nutritious food.

And as the nation bemoans the 7% unemployment rate, unemployment in communities of color remains at 13%--the same racialized wage disparity ratio that Dr. King bemoaned in 1967. Indeed, while analysts fret about about the housing market, there continue to be huge disparities in homeownership across race.

Take a close look at the words of Jeremiah 22:13-16. Woe to we that profit from injustice and gain economic security at the expense of others! We "who make our neighbor serve us for nothing and do not give them their wages." Jesus himself urges that "the workers deserve their wages." And yet, as more states put an end to collective bargaining, the wealthy receive a smaller tax burden now than they have in the last 80 years.

Part of our problem is that we have a very warped perspective of economic reality. Particularly since housing in the United States is largely segregated by economic standing, people look around themselves and feel that, on the whole, there is equal opportunity and prosperity for everyone.

PBS News Hour recently conducted an informal survey, asking people identify the sort of economy that exist in the USA. Their findings are telling. Also, Jon Stewart points out the huge economic disparities that most folks gloss over. Both of these videos are embedded below.

Take time this week to give thanks for your own economic security, no matter what level it is. For more insight into the issues mentioned above, read Barbara Ehrenreich's 'Nickel and Dimed' or play this excellent interactive game to see what choices you would make given some stark realities.




Monday, August 13, 2012

The Art of Worship

Please welcome guest blogger Julie Farmer. Julie is on staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and shares her perspective with us on use visual art as a medium for reaching across divides in worship (all images are hers):

Art is integral to how I worship God and how I understand His master plan to draw all peoples to Himself. Creating and appreciating art leads me to profound awe and fear as I consider the power, majesty, and wonder of the Creator of All. I am humbled at how insignificant my art is compared to any one of God’s creations.

Have you ever considered the intricacies of the human body—the relationship of body parts to organs to the ability to think, feel, speak, and act? Or acknowledged the beauty that a nursing mother is able to produce milk that has just the right fat, protein, and nutrient balance for her child?

Have you ever considered the miracle of a tiny seed growing to be a delicious fruit or vegetable that brings nourishment and enjoyment to your taste buds? Or been awe struck by the beauty of a single flower, only to imagine the countless flower variations?

Art transcends cultures, ethnicities, time periods, and gender, while also representing and expressing each of these things distinctly and uniquely. Art came into being when God created—shedding His glory and majesty on the earth. Art embodies all beauty and provides healing.

Art communicates in the gaps when words are just not enough. The visual arts are a nuanced way for me to dialogue about God’s heart for justice while also worshiping the Creator who gave me the ability to create visual art alongside Him. Throughout the Old Testament, the value of art is clear. Consider the intricate details of the Temple or how it was the trumpet players who led the procession around the walls of Jericho.

I’ve created specific pieces of art to address the atrocities of injustice in various cultures and seen people be moved by my art from complacency and ignorance to passion to see justice on earth as it is in Heaven. I love how visual art engages a viewer often before the viewer realizes the topic of the piece. Once engaged, it is hard to ignore the emotions stirred by the image one is looking at.

The artist worships God when his or her art points to His character, His salvation, His healing, and His value for all His people. Visual art is not just reserved for those who are natural artists. God is a visual and creative God who has made each of His people in His image and likeness. As image bearers of the divine, we are called to reflect Him as we worship Him.

Ponder a photograph or piece of art. Take your camera on a scavenger hunt to see where you can find God’s beauty represented. Try painting or make a collage with your favorite colors and news article. Ask God to show you Himself and pray for His redemption and justice to be had. Look for opportunities to stand for justice through the creation of new life in art.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Friday Fruit: Olympic Edition--Week 2 (08/10/12)

On Fridays, BTSF posts links to some of the week's happenings.  
It's an opportunity for you to read about racial justice & Christianity from other folks, and for me to give props to the shoulders on which I stand...

Weekly Round Up (OLYMPIC EDITION!--WEEK 2):

These are some of BTSF's links of interest this week. What are yours?

Feel free to contribute your own links in the comments section, or submit items you feel should be included during the week. Self-promotion is encouraged. 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Saved from Meritocracy (Part 2)

Now that we've discussed how 'meritocracy' is counter to the Christian concept of grace (see Part 1), let's see how that system holds up in practice in today's world:

Meritocracy: it's be great if it were
how society actually worked
Not only is meritocracy a false idol that divides us from the One who is truly responsible for our successes, but it's not even a reality-based system in the secular world. Anyone whose parents went to college or owned their own home received a head-start. Anyone who lives in stability or maintains consistent access to healthcare has an advantage in their daily pursuits.  

Anyone that networks for a job, or can bring solid letters of recommendation to their interview has benefited from the goodwill of others. Anyone whose culture has been consistently represented in the seats of power has benefited from a tailored system of rules. No one gets where they are on merit alone (see post: Academic Admissions). 

Yet even while we accept help from others, we despise and disparage those that need help from us: people that struggle every day to make it through. Like the Pharisees we proclaim “God, I thank you that I am not like other men–robbers, evildoers, adulterers” (Luke 18:11). Walter Russell Mead asserts that God "made you smart so that you could serve — and the people he wants you to serve are exactly all those people you feel so arrogantly superior to." Will we be like the servant who receive mercy and grace, but will not offer it to others?

Furthermore, do we honestly believe that we work harder than those struggling for their daily survival? Do we put in more effort that the student who is also maintains two jobs to help pay the rent? Are we more tired at the end of the day than the mom that put in a double shift in order to put food on the table

When we achieve success, might it be because our hard work went toward getting us ahead, rather just than surviving? If it takes every effort for someone to keep from falling behind, how do we expect that they will move forward? If we are secure in our basic survival, our skills and talents can propel us to great heights. But if adversity creates struggle for basic need, how can one's gifts ever reach their full potential?  And then we all miss out in witnessing the splendor of God's blessings that might have been realized. 

We bristle at giving aid to people that 'don't deserve our help.' But what have we ever deserved? And what if someone happens to be 'undeserving'? So what? Is this not the very definition of grace? 

There are indeed those elite few that have achieved great things in the face of adversity--bone fide 'rags-to-riches' achievement. But we love their stories precisely because they are so rare. The reality is that for millions of people, overcoming systemic disadvantage is exhausting to the point of hopelessness and even resignation. 

But we rigorously maintain the idea that merit is our only currency for success. And in our world, rewarding effort and good work is important for the advancement of society. But it is not what's important for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom.

We know that we aught to work hard because it brings glory to god, not because we'll get stuff. God didn't give you a good education, stable family, safe neighborhood so that you could boast in your own greatness. He didn't make you rich so you could buy a nice car. Every blessing we have is a gift, and it comes with responsibility: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" (Luke 12:48). Or do we believe it is better to store up our treasures on earth?   

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Saved from Meritocracy (Part 1)

Americans pride ourselves on our system of meritocracy. We believe that if you work hard, you can achieve anything. We affirm that we got where we are because of our own skills and dedication. We accept the implication that anyone who has not achieved such heights simply did not put in as much effort.

But much of what we love about meritocracy is fundamentally opposed to the grace of the Cross. There is none among us who can claim that we deserve what has been given to us, none who can say we have earned our reward. “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" (Corinthians 4:7)


Indeed, Christ grants us freedom from meritocracy. We no longer have to earn our reward.  We can let go of our obsession with 'fairness' that simply does not exist in scripture. We are no longer slaves to the rat race of achievement. We can rest in the promise that "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Every breath we draw in is a moment of grace. So too is every meal we eat, every paycheck we receive, every new idea we have. Each minute we live is every bit of an undeserved gift as is our ultimate eternal salvation. So why do we create an idol out of this 'meritocracy'? 

Certainly, it makes sense to offer rewards in order to motivate good behavior. But to think that we deserve this reinforcement belies our witness as sheep of His flock. We become self-reliant, even prideful in our own making. We determine that we have worked hard, and then demand our reward. This is not the model of the Cross.

Not only is meritocracy a false idol that divides us from the One who is truely responsible for our successes, but it's not even a reality-based system in the secular world. Continue to part 2...

Friday, August 3, 2012

Friday Fruit: Olympic Edition! (08/03/12)

All-Round Gold Medalist, Gabby Douglass
On Fridays, BTSF posts links to some of the week's happenings.  
It's an opportunity for you to read about racial justice & Christianity from other folks, and for me to give props to the shoulders on which I stand...


Weekly Round Up (OLYMPIC EDITION!):

These are some of BTSF's links of interest this week. What are yours?

Feel free to contribute your own links in the comments section, or submit items you feel should be included during the week. Self-promotion is encouraged. 
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By Their Strange Fruit by Katelin H is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
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