Although many consider racial issues as a figment of history, a buzzword in news or a controversial topic for political arguments, racism has not and will not be resolved until individuals begin taking responsibility for their own racially unjust mindsets. These issues are discussed in two articles, “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo and the Christian Churches Together’s response to Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter from the Birmingham jail. Although these two articles discuss the same topic, they consider different approaches to the topic and speak to different audiences. Together, however, they both try to answer the question, "How should we act ethically towards racial diversity within the United States and the world?”
In Robin DiAngelo’s, …show more content…
This is a consequence of the subconscious idea that white people are better. Solidifying this idea, DiAngelo considers the segregation within neighborhoods and schools. When people discuss “Good schools” or “safe neighborhoods,” many automatically connect these phrases to all-white communities. We create, as DiAngelo coins it, a “Code” language which is racially weighted but socially acceptable. These subconscious connotations hold us back from important conversations and, over time, can create triggers for those comfortable with these definitions of “good” of “pure”. Considering whites as “without a race”, Whites often consider the their race as pure and thus, “free[ing] whites from carrying the psychic burden of race.” These ideas come from a lack of childhood anti-racist education which could prevent many of these early connotations and prejudices. Because of this lack of education, many white americans have no idea how to sympathize with those of other races. Furthermore, how are we to work to create equity and peace if we do not understand one another? The governmental involvement within the anti-racist movements has been weak, while their ability to stop encouraging racism in America has almost dissolved completely. The country feels comfortable in separating themselves with the issue by reducing racial buzzwords or using inclusive …show more content…
Making statements that many people within the congregation have never considered, the concept of white fragility is extremely important to discuss within the church. This discussion is extremely pertinent in predominantly Caucasian congregations. From my personal observations, it's not uncommon to see church leaders in conversation with other church leaders but out of touch with their local community. This can come from a passive view on race in society, considering that african-Americans would be welcome if they came. This paper urges it's white readers to be the first to initiate integration, peace-making and reconciliation. It’s especially important that leaders of churches have DeAngelo’s mindset because, through their teaching, they can affect the mindsets of their congregation. This new perspective can open up a new form of ministry, reaching more people on a personal level than many denominations ever have. Although the Christian Churches Together’s response holds important and impactful points for society, DeAngelo’s discussion on “White Fragility” is more pertinent to the modern church and its
In Robin DiAngelo’s, …show more content…
This is a consequence of the subconscious idea that white people are better. Solidifying this idea, DiAngelo considers the segregation within neighborhoods and schools. When people discuss “Good schools” or “safe neighborhoods,” many automatically connect these phrases to all-white communities. We create, as DiAngelo coins it, a “Code” language which is racially weighted but socially acceptable. These subconscious connotations hold us back from important conversations and, over time, can create triggers for those comfortable with these definitions of “good” of “pure”. Considering whites as “without a race”, Whites often consider the their race as pure and thus, “free[ing] whites from carrying the psychic burden of race.” These ideas come from a lack of childhood anti-racist education which could prevent many of these early connotations and prejudices. Because of this lack of education, many white americans have no idea how to sympathize with those of other races. Furthermore, how are we to work to create equity and peace if we do not understand one another? The governmental involvement within the anti-racist movements has been weak, while their ability to stop encouraging racism in America has almost dissolved completely. The country feels comfortable in separating themselves with the issue by reducing racial buzzwords or using inclusive …show more content…
Making statements that many people within the congregation have never considered, the concept of white fragility is extremely important to discuss within the church. This discussion is extremely pertinent in predominantly Caucasian congregations. From my personal observations, it's not uncommon to see church leaders in conversation with other church leaders but out of touch with their local community. This can come from a passive view on race in society, considering that african-Americans would be welcome if they came. This paper urges it's white readers to be the first to initiate integration, peace-making and reconciliation. It’s especially important that leaders of churches have DeAngelo’s mindset because, through their teaching, they can affect the mindsets of their congregation. This new perspective can open up a new form of ministry, reaching more people on a personal level than many denominations ever have. Although the Christian Churches Together’s response holds important and impactful points for society, DeAngelo’s discussion on “White Fragility” is more pertinent to the modern church and its