{"id":11526,"date":"2021-03-31T07:10:36","date_gmt":"2021-03-31T11:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/intramuralist.com\/?p=11526"},"modified":"2021-03-31T07:10:41","modified_gmt":"2021-03-31T11:10:41","slug":"14-books-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intramuralist.com\/?p=11526","title":{"rendered":"14 books – part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Today marks the second in our series regarding the Intramuralist\u2019s still incomplete journey, sharing some of what I\u2019ve learned in my pursuit of racial and ethnic diversity and harmony. Know that my desire is two-fold: (1) to be part of a greater coming together; and (2) to fulfill what I wholeheartedly believe is the second greatest commandment for us all \u2014 to love another as ourselves. [Note: if you have not read Part 1 of \u201c14 Books,\u201d allow me to encourage such now, as it will provide necessary context.]<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drawing from the insights of 14 articulate, diverse authors (\u2026 Carson, Kendi, and Picoult\u2026 DiAngelo and Loritts, Stevenson and Steele\u2026 Yancey and more\u2026 oh, my\u2026 George Yancey\u2026), <\/em>I found multiple perspectives vital, as almost from the onset, I sensed a mounting confusion. None denied racism\u2019s existence; all believe racism is morally wrong. But yet, as I read \u2014 while listening to additional, insightful others \u2014 an inconspicuous disconnect quickly unfolded. Intelligent, honorable people keep talking past each other on this issue \u2014 people of solid integrity, varied age and ethnicity. They simply, sincerely can\u2019t get<\/em><\/strong> what another is trying to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I increasingly gleaned a huge source of the confusion: people are assuming two different, dominant definitions of racism. <\/em>Simplifying the definitions for the purposes of today\u2019s discussion, some define \u201cracism\u201d as judging another person by the color of their skin. Others define \u201cracism\u201d as a socially-constructed marginalization of people of color. This distinction is key because how racism manifests itself appears strikingly different based on which definition one assumes. It also impacts what one believes to be an effective approach in dealing with the disgrace [to be addressed more in Part 3].<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I define racism as judging another by the color of their skin, I can logically conclude that racism is based solely on the individual.<\/em> If I believe then that I personally<\/em> never engage in that behavior nor adhere to such thinking \u2014 am even abhorred by it \u2014 I may be tempted to minimize the extent to which racism still exists in this country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If, on the other hand, I define racism as a social construct marginalizing people of color, I can also logically conclude, if I belong to a minority race, it\u2019s impossible<\/em> for me to be racist, as racism is based solely on the system (aka \u201cinstitutional\u201d or \u201cstructural\u201d).<\/em> If I believe racism is a systemic social construct, I may be tempted to minimize the work I need to do to contribute positively to racial harmony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, friends, I am not advocating any singular perspective. I actually am learning how harmful embracing a singular perspective can be, even if it\u2019s shared by 47 likeminded people. If I read only to reinforce a desired paradigm, my growth will be stunted, as paradigms are made to be challenged \u2014 not insulated. Wisdom is revealed when pressed paradigms hold up over time to unlike thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider, for example, the unquestionably polarized reactions to both the notable OJ Simpson verdict and more recent Colin Kaepernick NFL-kneeling protest \u2014 two situations where good people simply don\u2019t get<\/em><\/strong> how another may feel completely, totally<\/em><\/strong> differently\u2026 Do I see Simpson as one angry ex-spouse potentially responsible for a vicious, heinous crime? \u2026 or do I see a man who had a racist system stacked against him from the start? \u2026 Do I see Kaepernick as one disgruntled, once-starting QB who openly mocked police officers? \u2026 or do I see a marginalized man who finally had the guts to stand up to injustice within the context of an all-white ownership situation?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No doubt how I view racism doesn\u2019t dictate my response, but it certainly impacts my empathy for each of the one time football professionals. Empathy affects outcome. Empathy affects communication. Empathy affects what each of us thinks is wise to do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reading through the 14 books, I found each of the respected authors with a huge challenge on their hands: how do they not minimize or <\/em><\/strong>overstate what\u2019s individual and what\u2019s systemic? How do they wrestle with both definitions without neglecting or rewriting either historical sin or current progress? Where have we made progress? Where have we not? Several of the authors boldly averred a sole definition; one in particular even created a series of binary choices to in my opinion, too-easily explain away that which clashed with his paradigm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for my ongoing journey, I found myself resonating with author John Piper\u2019s definition, where he recognizes individuals and <\/em>institutions which exhibit \u201can explicit or implicit belief or practice that qualitatively distinguishes or values one race over other races.\u201d That happens through our  prejudice and implicit bias, as author Latasha Morrison points out, noting that prejudice is chosen; implicit bias is not. Some individuals and institutions exhibit racism in their beliefs or practices and aren\u2019t even aware. Sometimes that\u2019s a racist act \u2014 intentionally valuing one race over another; sometimes, too, as author Emmanuel Acho distinguishes, it\u2019s more an expression of racial insensitivity. In either case, whatever race, there is knowledge to glean and work to do, continuing to listen and learn from those whose experience is different than our own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hence, I rawly but boldly ask myself\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n