We have seen a disturbing shift in America these last 50 years, and I don’t see it as a shift for the better. For much of our history, the dominant culture has been defined as white, Mainline Protestant, male, and straight. Since the 1960’s, non-dominant segments of the population have struggled to be heard, seen, and given equal rights. These struggles have been going on for far longer, and those long histories have contributed to this journey, but the changes have happened mostly in my lifetime. Equality was never part of the American identity until people of color, women, and LGBTQ people began to speak up, act up, and show up.
We have seen great shifts and victories, but all along, the formerly dominant, now dying culture has been fighting back. Their fear is palpable; they don’t like being treated like everyone else. White male privilege, which is a thing, like it or not, has faded away. In response, cries of “reverse discrimination” echo the halls of business, education, and government. Statements like “she only got that job because she’s a woman” and “he’s a quota acceptance” have become regular whining points for white guys who lost out. The “Stop Woke” bill in Florida is now putting college courses that focus on diversity on the back burner, making them electives instead of requirements which, professors will tell you, kills interest in the course.
Critical race theory has become persona non grata because it makes white kids, their parents say, feel guilty (I call BS on that). Don’t Say Gay laws (Florida again, among others) are put into place because people are afraid it will “turn” kids LGBTQ. That’s funny – I had a gay family friend who visited frequently, and all five of us kids (my parents too) are straight. I guess his gayness wasn’t powerful enough to turn us? (sarcasm). No – any thinking person knows that gender and sexuality aren’t learned – they are gifts from God. The key word is “thinking.”
I can’t imagine living with as much fear as these proponents of inequality do. I can’t imagine being so insecure in my masculinity and sexuality that I would want to create a nation where there’s no room for difference. I can’t imagine being so weak in my religious values that I have to forcefully elevate my faith over others. And yet, so many Americans are. We are filled with weakness, afraid of living in a nation where ideas sometimes clash, and lifestyles are different. They can fight against diversity all they want, but it won’t change the reality and dream of America. Differences exist whether you like them or not. You can’t force people to not be who God made them to be.
Prayer – Holy God, thank You for the differences You made in all of creation. May we follow You and embrace it. Amen.
Today’s art is a mural about diversity from downtown Vancouver, Canada.