I am a Racist White Male and I support Black Lives Matter
I share this racism with every white person in America. Saying that, will offend some of us. Whether it is a veiled cover up (“I’m not racist, but...”), or a genuine emotion of feeling “singled out”, the first instinct of white people is to resist the label. That’s because we do not distinguish our personal biases from the structure of racism. Biases are within all of us no matter our color. We tend to be biased in favor of the comfortable and familiar and against the unknown. White people are more likely to express their biases based on perceptions-that change will bring about loss. Bias from minorities is grounded in experiences of discrimination and retribution leading to distrust of the system administered by the majority. Both sides are afraid, and if the current system is creating fear in everyone then the system is flawed.
So, my racism does not extend from the individual biases I hold, no matter how I consciously try to “be a good person”, but from the system that allows me to have advantages over other people based on the color of my skin. I am not even aware of many of my advantage because they are so ingrained into the system. I am just as blind to the perspective of folks who are disadvantaged. So, as a white man, I am the least qualified to offer my perspective on solutions to racial conflict. I must submit to the leadership of those who are directly harmed by the system.
My Faith is grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition of shalom-the state of peace and wholeness in the world. Paul writes to the Philippians that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds.” As a child I thought that meant I am entitled as an individual to a feeling of peace. I now believe it means that God demands peace, even if I am personally uncomfortable in the way it is attained. My understanding is not necessary to the the ultimate goal of restoring wholeness.
Therefore, though I sympathize with the extraordinarily difficult position that policmen and women are put in, I must view any police action that results in death a failure. That failure needs to be accounted for at every police level until the entire force agrees that harm and death of citizens prior to their due process by a judge or citizen jury is deemed unacceptable.
For my part, I don’t know what the solutions are to achieve racial justice in America. But as a white man who recognizes his racism, I hope I can stay out of the way of black leadership, support the Black Lives Matter movement even if I am uncomfortable, and try not to let my biases get in the way.
Respectfully,
Stephen Scott
Peoples Presbyterian Church
Denver, Colorado
Are you brave and courageous enough to share your story? Email beth@denpres.org.