One of the core conflicts that block our ability to begin to deal with the racial divide in this country is the refusal to acknowledge the significance of past pains versus the absolute preoccupation with the pain.
My favorite quote from one of my all time favorite movies, The Lion King perfectly frames this issue for me.
In the scene when Rafiki was counseling Simba about how face the past that he had been running from for a long time. To better illustrate the wisdom he was about to impart, Rafiki hit Simba with a stick and told him that the hit did not matter because it was in the past. Simba lamented that even though the hit was in the past, it still hurt.
To which Rafiki responded, "Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or....learn from it.”
I believe that we are in a similar defining moment of decision in this great country. We have been hitting one another for a very long time with a big stick called racism.
From black rage to white resentment, we are languishing in our reluctance or refusal to face our past pains. In so doing, we inflict more pain and create even greater unresolved conflicts. As I see it, unless we are willing to come out of our polarized corners to the center of the room, we will remain in this perpetual state of untreated pain.
When are we going to tire of the ad nauseam polarizing arguments?
The one said laments, “I am holding you responsible for the pain and lingering consequences for which you have never really acknowledged or atoned and I cannot or will not move forward.
On the other side there is seeming gross insensitivity the dismissively retorts of: 'Neither you or I were alive when your pain was afflicted so it cannot really be a pain for you any longer so why do we have to even discuss or deal it'. Just move get over it already!'
The past can hurt, even in the present but the real issue is what we are willing to do about it.
A chasm indeed................
As a racial reconciliation expert, I am grateful for this opportunity and challenge that Sen. Obama's speech on race presents for all Americans.
White Americans can finally stop seething in silence because they are afraid of publicly addressing racial issues for fear of being labeled a racist. And African-Americans are getting a taste of how it feels to be mis-characterized and have our words dissected and misconstrued to advance hidden agendas.
When we allow or agitate racial divisiveness and strife, everyone feels the pain.
Now, is a perfect time for us to come to the table for honest dialogue. Not to argue the same points that we have privately or publicly postulated for far too long. Our public discourse must be elevated to focus on how we can all take ownership for our collective responsibility to create "A More Perfect Union".
I am very interested in your thoughts on this critical issue, please include your comments in this Conversation with V!
2 comments:
I believe that we should learn from our past pains. I for one refuse to continue in the same way when that way provides no respite. I believe that we should stay true to our heart and our deepest most innocent convictions. As youths, all of us weren't born racists. We came here with no knowledge of differences in people. These are learned behaviors. Someone or something instilled in us a dislike for someone and (I believe) that society ( in its many forms) allowed us the luxury of ascribing the trespass/fault/incident/problem/
altercation to a person's color. This of course being based upon stereotypes that are perpetuated throughout cultures by its members.
If we return to that innocence and allow new information concerning people into consideration, dealing only with the instance or situation based solely upon the instance/situation concerning the person and not their appearance/background,race/
religion, etc, then there will be true exchange.
There is a scripture (in Romans chapter 1) that states the following (please allow me to paraphrase): "before we received the Spirit of God He put a conscience in man as a guide to what is right and wrong. Therefore there is no excuse for ignorance of trespassing against God or man". To put it simply, this tells me that when I (regardless to who I am as long as I am homosapien)say, do, feel, anything that is wrong against humanity or even myself, there is a check (siren if you will) that goes off within me, letting me know that what I am doing, saying, feeling, is wrong.
When we harbor ill towards one another it is wrong and there is no solace for this besides repentance, acceptance, tolerance, forgiveness, determination, courage, and any other stance that leads to overcoming the unrighteous and corrupt.
ICE
Here's a little tid-bit of info.
Obama's going to win because the "powers" above the government (call them what you will), have decided that Obama for president would be better than the majority of blacks in this country murdering and rioting if he isn't successful.
I'm stocking up on weapons and ammo, and I suggest other white folks to do the same.
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