Let's Talk Some More About Race

It has been said:

Majority groups in a fallen world
will inevitably behave oppressively.

One of my points today is that "whites" must be sensitive and responsive to an unfortunate reality: many non-whites feel that "white oppression" or white "cultural imperialism" is widespread and extremely hurtful.

In a recent online discussion, I read the suggestion that the baby's face on the Gerber jar is a token of white dominance - the image should be changed, the man wrote. Also in question was the voice we might hear at an automated store checkout counter - just another "white voice". Other examples were proffered as well.

Are the folks at Gerber seeking to oppress? More precisely, should the image on the baby food jar be understood that way? Certainly not, considering its origins. At the same time, maybe Gerber would be wise to change it if a misunderstanding has arisen. And the lady's voice at some checkout stands...  Some say she sounds Caucasian (part of the world takeover!). Who's to say? Should she speak with an accent to make some people feel better? That would be strange, to say the least.


One writer mentioned Barbie dolls as an example. In past times, in some settings, children outside of the U.S. wanted that pale blonde doll! Dark skin was deemed inferior - for some the hurt remains today. But who is to blame that children around the world have many times wanted a light-toned Barbie doll? Are the lighter-skinned people of the United States somehow at fault? On a personal note, should I feel guilt because others feel bad about their skin color? Yes, it is truly sad that many darker-skinned people wish they were lighter. And the history of oppression of various kinds is undeniable and horrible. It's also terrible that many people in general make judgments based on skin color and ethnicity. But bring in the long-term perspective: we all came from Adam and Eve (who probably had darker skin than I); we were all made by One Creator. We should love one another!

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God... (1 Jn. 4:7)

Obviously one may latch onto particular examples to illustrate apparent unfair dominance of "white culture". Whether or not the examples used are good ones, we can all practice sensitivity toward people who may be different than we. We must make a habit of going out of our way to show love to people of all varieties of backgrounds and ethnicities. Many people feel  victimized - wouldn't it be great to heal that?!? (But part of the healing would be to help people to stop believing that they are victims!  Another part would be to work to end all oppression.)

Friends, it is not a superficial or simple approach to say, "Let's love one another." Institutional change can play a role, but the power to change the world has to work in individual lives. It's like yeast working through a batch of dough; it spreads one small step at a time. Connect with people, be a servant, reach out, show that you care. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Pray to the Lord God to shine His light through all His people, to all nations.