Racism is a very controversial topic. It often can be difficult to talk about. It creates tension, misunderstanding and many other issues. So, how do you define racism? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it is “the belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another.” In the Bible, it addresses this issue. Galatians 3:28 states “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” We all represent the image of Christ, but some may ask why if this is in the Bible it has not been demonstrated in society? Why is there so much hate?
The reason why is people don’t see the way others do. Sometimes, we as people are quick to judge others. In First Year Seminar, you learned about “the dangers of a single story,” and what the danger of the single story is “if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.”
To illustrate, if I were to say to you that California is one of the worst places ever to live and Iowa is way better because the people are nicer and everything is amazing. The basic image that I just created was that California is considered hell. Which I am completely wrong, California is known to have one of the best beaches and it is a friendly place. But what does the single story tell us?
Some are quick at judging others. You may be getting one story from one side, but where is the other side. In Matthew 7, it says, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” The feeling of being judged does not feel great. You feel a sense of disgust, the feeling of revenge but then you feel a sense of being alone. Remembering that revenge won’t clear the pain, the scar it made will always be there. Being able to comprehend the way how racism affects someone is unexplainable; it is only visible. The tears, the frustration and the depression that is caused by racism will bring us down, but we will still be standing.
Remember the story of David and Goliath, the shepherd boy versus Goliath. The odds were stacked against David. When David faced Goliath, he said “you come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I have the Lord on my side!” David picked up five stones and put one in the sling and swung it. He hits Goliath in the head. He does the impossible. Know that even if the odds are against you, you will have the Lord with you.
The verse that gives me comfort is John 15:18, “If the world hates you know that it hated me first.” It means that he has gone through this pain. It gives a sense of comfort, and we should know that we will have at least someone.
If there is a time, you, as a person, feel like you are being discriminated, please reach out. We have staff and people who specialize in these issues, and you will be heard. Our campus specializes in bringing culture, and it should be respected and honored because everyone is equal.
