Who is Really Oppressing Who?

First off, I need to say that I consider myself a progressive person, but this may deviate from the typical progressive philosophy and ideals. This is very near and dear to me and in light of the story about Barack Obama’s Pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, I feel that I need to address the issue of race in America.

I am a biracial woman (black/white), and I like to think that I see the world in a very fair way when it comes to racial issues, but this article may prove otherwise. I read an article by titled “Sick and Tired-And White,” by Arnold Ahlert. He talked about how Rev. Wright’s comments, which apparently are typical of the sermons in Black churches, keep black people from succeeding. I have to say that I agree.

My parents and teachers always expected me to do well, which does not imply perfection, but does mean working hard and giving one's best. But because of those expectations, I did very well in school and extra-curricular activities. As a person of color, I was always expected to join black student unions, protest some event that people saw as racist, etc. But whenever I attempted to interact with groups that focused on being a minority, I was often laughed at and made fun of for being "too white," i.e., speaking proper English, valuing my education, or anything else that was deemed white. I was never labeled “too white” by a white person. I never understood how some people who claim to identify so much with their oppressed ancestors are so prejudiced. How can some black people decide what is "black enough"? Did they ever stop and think that the characteristics that make someone "black enough" are not positive attributes and that it does not eliminate racism, but probably makes it worse? Do they realize that limiting someone to offensive racial stereotypes is the ultimate form of self-loathing? Did they know that it was against the law for their ancestors who were slaves to be educated? Do they realize the indignities that their ancestors suffered in America, and can they compare that to an ignorant person hurling a slur and realize the difference is like night and day? Has anyone figured out that the anger that is emanated from black student union meetings and pulpits is not working? Is anyone offended by being a “perpetual victim” so people like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson can remain famous (I sure am!)? Do the same people who insist Martin Luther King, Jr. Day be celebrated with a day off of work and school realize that he valued education and most likely would not appreciate that most of us (myself included) “honor him” by sleeping in or going to the mall one Monday every January? These questions never seem to come up, and I believe it is because many people are afraid to ask them for fear of being labeled a racist or sellout.

Vocal Black "leaders" need to remind other blacks about racism and how unfair life is because they would be out of a job. The NAACP does an excellent job of sounding the alarm when an incident that is deemed racist occurs, but they become inept (by choice in my opinion) when it comes to coming up with solutions. I know that there is racism in America, but there will always be people with narrow-minded viewpoints. There are always going to be extremists that want to kill everyone who doesn't think like them. Extremists are often uneducated, frustrated individuals looking to belong and they do so by becoming part of a group that identifies themselves by dehumanizing “others.” I believe the best argument against racism is for blacks to succeed in achieving their vision of the American Dream.
The history of slavery in America is not pretty but I believe that the America of the past is nothing like American now.

Personally, I find the idea of a church with a racial label in front of “church” appalling. All of us are God’s children and Jesus died for everybody. As a Christian, I believe the best place to start healing the racial divisions is in the Christian Church. What better way for us who are called to follow Christ to set an example of His love and salvation?