Saturday, February 18, 2017

Theology for white women



This reflection is addressed especially to women, and it may encourage the men among us to write about their experience as well.


OK white women what do you think about this article?


https://womenintheology.org/2017/02/01/lets-get-strategic-white-women-in-resistance-to-the-trump-cultural-political-machine/

2 comments:

  1. This sounds right, but if the author really knows HOW to do what she's advocating we do, why doesn't she offer some examples of how to do it? So many people say we need to engage with other white people and change their minds - but in my experience, it's nearly impossible to change another person's mind. And believe me, I do try. It does seem to me I only have a chance of reaching anyone else if I DON'T come with the viewpoint that I'm better than that person. I think even for white people whose traumas are minor compared to those of people of color - and in fact, there are many white people carrying hidden trauma we don't see when we see their skin color - it's important to be aware that what holds people back from understanding others is fear and/or trauma and fear of trauma, and therefore it's terribly important to come with humility and respect to any individual before you can reach them.
    And in the event that you have to stand up in somebody's face to protect someone more vulnerable, you do have to try to stand up in their face, regardless of what their mental distortion is. But most of the time, we're not dealing with standing up in someone's face to protect someone else; most of the time, we're just dealing with our own ego clashing with someone else's ego. And those are the times when we need to tread very carefully. And it's very tricky and difficult. And I know I make and have made a lot of mistakes, driven by my own ego; even by my own honest passion for fairness.

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    Replies
    1. We experience that racism is an insidious disease. It infects all of us. White women, in particular, risk the privilege of which we are becoming more and more aware. Can I confront the woman in the mirror? What happened to me yesterday that showed me my white privilege? Then I find few others who are willing to look themselves in the mirror with the same question. Then we find a safe place to share so that we can build our strength to challenge racism as we go through life the next day. This blog spot is intended to be a safe space in which we can share.
      What in my day yesterday showed me my white privilege?
      I struggle with the Tony Robinson situation. I feel for Tony’s family and then I also feel for Matt Kinney’s family.

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