Racism

I have to say, I never thought I'd be blogging about this. I think I kind of (naively) assumed that racism was dead. I mean, I don't dislike black people, and I don't know anyone else who does. But my eyes have recently been opened, and I realized that, unfortunately, racism does still exist. 

It seems to me that perhaps many people just make the assumption that because we don't hear about the kkk riding around in nearby neighborhoods that America is just one big happy family. However, in our ignorance are we making the problem worse? Just because the years of slavery and segregation are over doesn't mean there isn't still work to do. When we put our blinders on, does that keep us from finding every speck of racism and destroying it, of finding the core of racism and ridding ourselves of it permanently?

There is neither Jew or Greek, there is neither slave nor free, 

there is no male and female, for you are all one in Jesus Christ. 

Galations 3:28

What does this mean? There is no black or white or hispanic or pink, or purple or polka dot. I was challenged with this verse. Does this mean that it's wrong even to make a distinction? If I'm talking to someone and say, "oh yeah, this black guy", or "oh yeah, this scary white guy.." is that racism? Because according to God's law, there is no black or white. There isn't even a male or female, there are only children of God. And I'm sure God is color blind. I'm sure our skin pigment isn't even in his radar when he thinks about us. If we are to strive to be like Christ, shouldn't our attitude be the same? 

Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.

1 John 2:9

This is a "duh" verse. Obviously, regardless of our skin color, background, sex, or anything else that might distinguish us from others, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We have no right to hate anyone, it's our duty to strive to be like Jesus, and live in love. 

But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and 

are convicted by the law as transgressors.

James 2:9

Being racist, on whatever level, whatever form it manifests itself, is a sin. It's the same as any other sin. If I'm not mistaken, all sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord. 

For anyone who believes there isn't racism, please open your eyes, and your hearts. Google some stats on racism. If racism is dead, why are thousands of racial hate crimes reported to the FBI every year? Why is there proof that it still exists in the workplace? Don't be naive, people. Isn't it our job to surround our brothers and sisters in love? You know what, even if racism didn't exist, and someone felt it did, it would still be our job to show love, and respect, and kindness. 

What part of the human psyche does racism come from? We might never know. However, shouldn't it be our job as humans to seek out racism and squash it? Shouldn't there be an open dialog so that we can learn from each other?