Do People, Even the Church, Care About Racism?

The Michael Richards thing was ugly, hurtful, disappointing, and a million other negative adjectives. But for me, the event itself is not what is most bothersome. What is most bothersome is the response, especially the response of many of the Christian websites I frequent.

It shocked me to read Christian blog after blog where it was shrugged off. Mostly it was the excuses that have been made that shocked me the most. Things like "oh it was edgy comedy that spun out of control". Then quick apology was welcomed and the whole thing is just swept away. That is the problem. I mean he's Kramer for goodness sake. We can't get mad and stay mad for any length of time now can we? Nah, we save that for our own (see Ted Haggard).

Don't get me wrong, I think his apology did seem sincere. And I like the way that he has reached out to the black community. The man needs grace and forgiveness as much as I do. I know, cause I need a lot of it. But we have to be outraged as followers of Jesus folks! Having compassion and giving grace doesn't elimnate the need for a little righteous anger now and then.

The church (the mostly WHITE church) has dropped the ball for years in the area of race relations. It's mostly because we are so wishy washy and so hooked into American culture that we don't want to rock that boat or something. Do I want the Church to be in charge of Michael Richard's punishment? No. But I don't want to see them making excuses for him because they loved Seinfeld and can't get enough of that crazy ole Cosmo Kramer either.

Bob Hyatt, one of my favorite bloggers and a great guy, drew a line because MR is not a believer. He says he couldn't get outraged over this. I hear what he is saying, but what happened to engaging our culture and speaking prophetically into it? Do we get to pick and choose what we want to engage? Besides this wasn't even about MR's snafu, it was the reaction that got me the most. We have to be more responsible with our reaction as we engage culture.

And why should the only time we deal with it be during times of trouble anyway? Count me guilty on that one. We need to be ever looking for ways to fight it and be more purposeful about worshipping and fellowshipping with all different kinds of brothers and sisters.

Part of why this kills me so much goes back to a series Scot McKnight posted a while back about Racism and the Church. And he got me excited about the emerging folk and how they might care more. And then I saw tons of them comment and were all gung ho. I was thinking, hey, maybe these guys and gals are finally gonna get this thing right. Wrong. The emerging blogs are the ones that have me so bummed. They don't have it any better than the modern church and traditionals do.

Eh, that's all for now. Just wanted to get some stuff out. There are some blogs out there that I am sure are glad to have me out of their comments section on this one. :)

Technorati tags: Michael Richards, Seinfeld, Scot McKnight, Race Relations

Comments

[Aaron]

Rich, I follow your outrage. Comedy or not, this wasn't funny and will never be in our culture.

In a biracial marriage, you have a unique perspective that other white men may not have. Since evangelicalism and the emerging church is primarily white, sometimes these issues don't strike the cord they should.

Thanks for your voice.

[Rich]

thanks aaron. i felt better after posting.i tend to push things too hard. appreciate you...

[bob]

Hey Rich-

I hear where you are coming from. Believe me- if this was apattern with this guy, I'd get more worked up. If I felt like he had any position of influence or anyone at all was listening to this and saying "Yeah! He's right!" I'd be more worked up. If he had failed to apologize profusely or shifted blame somewhere, ditto...

But as it was, he was roundly denounced by everyone- including me. I'm just not outraged because of his repentance and his clear understanding that he screwed up.

I was more angry at Mel, to be honest with you- there's a guy with a history in his family and a supposed anti-semitic film to live down...

[kristine]

I think if Christians really reacted to racism they would have to face their own role in it, on both a personal, historical and institutional level. That may be a radical statement and yet even in my own family the dialogue is difficult. For many, the desire is to simply brush it aside and try to ignore the injustices of the world as long as they don't come crashing into their own personal lives... It is hard for people to even acknowledge the reality of racism, never mind accepting responsibility for being a part of it! There is more to be faced than simply one man blurting out his uncensored reactions and allowing us a peek at the ugliness brewing inside. Luckily there are people like you and me who seek to teach, to expose others to ideas beyond their own limited perspectives. At the same time, I must admit, it is exhausting and draining and yet very necessary to be the one that says something, that stands up for what is right. Keep your head up.

[Aaron]

Ah, Rich - I wouldn't say you pushed too hard at all. I would say you didn't push hard enough. I posted my thoughts on my site.