Do you see what I see? To see is to have visual recognition and it also means to have a depth of understanding. Often our personal opinions and experiences, our individual history and our human attachments influence what we visually recognize and influence our understanding and viewpoints. Politicians, government leaders, the media and the average person uses persuasion, debate, propaganda and influence to get others to agree with their particular position, to see what they see. In this article I will discuss four views that share the same root and that is part of the American fabric. I pose to you the question, Do you see what I see? You may decide that truth and vision are often relative.
Do you see what I see? The union versus the Confederacy or The United States versus The Confederacy. Americans have practiced distorting or sanitizing the truth through the use of vocabulary for centuries. Words, expressions and terminology have been used to start wars, influence, control, manipulate and even keep people in bondage. Some examples of the special use of vocabulary that has shaped our thinking include:
The term plantations used instead of slave labor camps, The "Union" instead of the United States of America, and the Confederate army instead of rebel army. The use of words makes heroes out of some while making villains out of others it is all determined by the propaganda and the words that are used to promote the ideology of one group over another. In the article "We legitimize the 'So called' Confederacy with our vocabulary and that's a Problem' Smithsonianmag.com the following was expressed, "It would be just as accurate to refer to Lee, who led an armed group against National sovereignty, as an insurgent or a warlord, if not a terrorist. Imagine how different it would be for a school age child to learn about the war of the rebellion if we altered the language we use."
The Civil War was a war against the United States. The war was fought to defend the right to own slaves and for the slaves it was a righteous war to fight for the right to be free from bondage. Many consider the Confederacy a noble cause that stood to defend the right to the land that was stolen from the indigenous people (Native Americans) in some cases, and to defend their system of oppression to their death. The Confederate monuments and the Confederate flag glorifies the ideology of the rebel army and helps successive generations condone all that has resulted from the self serving language used to perpetuate the system of racism and oppression in order to subjugate generations.
The term plantations used instead of slave labor camps, The "Union" instead of the United States of America, and the Confederate army instead of rebel army. The use of words makes heroes out of some while making villains out of others it is all determined by the propaganda and the words that are used to promote the ideology of one group over another. In the article "We legitimize the 'So called' Confederacy with our vocabulary and that's a Problem' Smithsonianmag.com the following was expressed, "It would be just as accurate to refer to Lee, who led an armed group against National sovereignty, as an insurgent or a warlord, if not a terrorist. Imagine how different it would be for a school age child to learn about the war of the rebellion if we altered the language we use."
The Civil War was a war against the United States. The war was fought to defend the right to own slaves and for the slaves it was a righteous war to fight for the right to be free from bondage. Many consider the Confederacy a noble cause that stood to defend the right to the land that was stolen from the indigenous people (Native Americans) in some cases, and to defend their system of oppression to their death. The Confederate monuments and the Confederate flag glorifies the ideology of the rebel army and helps successive generations condone all that has resulted from the self serving language used to perpetuate the system of racism and oppression in order to subjugate generations.
Do you see what I see? Flyers in North Idaho were recently circulated showing a beautiful and loving White family poising for a picture in a peaceful outdoor setting. Underneath the picture of the family the title read: "Don't Believe Jewish & Liberal Lies." The caption - "Race is Real... Keep Idaho Safe...Keep Idaho Clean...Keep Idaho WHITE." At the bottom of this flyer three drawings emphasized the point of view of the advertisement's creator. A picture of a Black man with an egg shaped head and exaggerated lips with drool dripping from his mouth included the word "NO!" typed underneath the picture. The next picture was of a Mexican man with a sombrero hat his mouth drawn purposely exaggerated sporting a full toothy grin, with the word subscribed "NO!" The final picture was of a Jewish man with a thick beard, large nose and hands clasped suggesting greed. He also had a yellow star pinned to his shoulder and beneath the picture the word "NO!"
Many racist attitudes are being expressed, without shame, that certain ethnic groups are not welcomed in neighborhoods across America. One such message was written on a banner that had been draped from the stands at Fenway Park that read: "Racism is as American as baseball." While there are pockets in our country that continue to deny that racism is a problem in American, many more people, who are the recipients of racism, continue to speak to the reality that racism does exist and is often deadly.
Many racist attitudes are being expressed, without shame, that certain ethnic groups are not welcomed in neighborhoods across America. One such message was written on a banner that had been draped from the stands at Fenway Park that read: "Racism is as American as baseball." While there are pockets in our country that continue to deny that racism is a problem in American, many more people, who are the recipients of racism, continue to speak to the reality that racism does exist and is often deadly.
Do you see what I see? Justice is blind - Justice is impartial and objective
An eight year old biracial boy nearly hanged in New Hampshire in the summer of 2017. The marks on the little boy's neck from the attempted lynching left multiple deep grooves in his throat. He had to be taken by helicopter to a hospital. While some White teenagers were spectators there was one who caused the injury. The town's police chief said of the assault, "Mistakes they make as a young child should not have to follow them for the rest of their life." There was no desire to obtain justice for the little boy. The evidence that his position as Police Chief to provide safety for his community was non existent as his main concern was the wellbeing of the assailants.
Looting after a catastrophic natural disaster is a grievous offence because it takes advantage of suffering people. The case of two men convicted of the same crime, looting during the spill ways crisis Oroville Dam, is another example that justice is not impartial. One man received probation while the other received 13 years in prison for the same crime. The one who received the lesser punishment was White. This is often the experience of people of color as they face the American justice system. Along with the disparities of sentencing is the attitudes of those who refuse to see the discriminatory practices. It is hard for many to have faith in the judicial system when systemic racism is always on public display.
An eight year old biracial boy nearly hanged in New Hampshire in the summer of 2017. The marks on the little boy's neck from the attempted lynching left multiple deep grooves in his throat. He had to be taken by helicopter to a hospital. While some White teenagers were spectators there was one who caused the injury. The town's police chief said of the assault, "Mistakes they make as a young child should not have to follow them for the rest of their life." There was no desire to obtain justice for the little boy. The evidence that his position as Police Chief to provide safety for his community was non existent as his main concern was the wellbeing of the assailants.
Looting after a catastrophic natural disaster is a grievous offence because it takes advantage of suffering people. The case of two men convicted of the same crime, looting during the spill ways crisis Oroville Dam, is another example that justice is not impartial. One man received probation while the other received 13 years in prison for the same crime. The one who received the lesser punishment was White. This is often the experience of people of color as they face the American justice system. Along with the disparities of sentencing is the attitudes of those who refuse to see the discriminatory practices. It is hard for many to have faith in the judicial system when systemic racism is always on public display.
Do you see what I see? The popular response to black people, who speak out in protest against oppression and racism, is to label them as anti-American, un-American, ingrates and complainers. The overwhelming sentiment is that Black people need to shut up, forget about the past and appreciate the opportunities they have. However, people refuse to get it, to accept the truth and to deal with reality. Those who choose to take a knee or give the Black power salute during the pledge are more patriotic than most. How can this claim be made? Because through all of the abuse, lynchings, terroristic attacks, and the oppressive laws enacted against people of color, the protest in their various peaceful forms are acknowledging the deep rooted faith and hope of generations of Black people that have ever lived on American soil. The heart of a people continues to have an undying hope and faith in a country that even so still sees athletes, out of their uniforms, as the average Black man and woman and boy and girl treated as a nuisance and targeted with bias attitudes and harsh treatment. The athletes as do most Black people love this country enough to bring attention to the century old habit of American oppression. We love America in such great measure that we are courageous enough to tell the truth. Is the protest about police brutality, yes. America has a history of police involvement in the oppression of Black people. Colin Kaepernick's reason behind the refusal to stand for the pledge is about more than protesting police brutality and the need for accountability within police agencies, it is a call for America to deal with the carnage left behind after the leaders of the rebel army of the Confederacy solidified its place in the United States governing body. Due to the handling of the ending of the Civil War our country has remain in a state of war against people of color. Our justice system is not blind, our government now sanctions the oppressive practice of profiling. Some of population that have benefited from the unjust laws and the cloaking of systemic racism have no desire to recognize that it is time for a deep cleaning in the cavernous bowels of America's psyche to root out a system that should have been put to rest one hundred and fifty years ago.
Do you see what I see?
As a follower of Jesus my heart is to love as Jesus loves. My hope is to see more people able to look at the history of American as it was and to join in the effort to break the strong holds that continue the traditions of racism. Fear of loss is a driving force that makes man feel they need to preserve the old ways of American life. The Christian faith and Scriptures teaches us not to fear, but to love without pretense, deceit, posturing, hypocrisy. We are to despise those things that are evil and to cling to that which is good Romans 12:9 We start by rejecting oppression and learning to have empathy and compassion, to feel for the plight of others unlike ourselves. Love is the greatest thing to do.
As a follower of Jesus my heart is to love as Jesus loves. My hope is to see more people able to look at the history of American as it was and to join in the effort to break the strong holds that continue the traditions of racism. Fear of loss is a driving force that makes man feel they need to preserve the old ways of American life. The Christian faith and Scriptures teaches us not to fear, but to love without pretense, deceit, posturing, hypocrisy. We are to despise those things that are evil and to cling to that which is good Romans 12:9 We start by rejecting oppression and learning to have empathy and compassion, to feel for the plight of others unlike ourselves. Love is the greatest thing to do.
Definitions
Oppression - Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control. The exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel or unjust manner. When a person or group in a position of power controls the less powerful in cruel and unfair ways. Persecution, abuse, maltreatment, subjugation, injustice, brutality, cruelty
"Empathy is simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting and communicating that incredibly healing message of you're not alone." Empathy fuels connections between people.
Scriptures reading: I Corinthians Chapter 13; Matthew 24:12; Ephesians 3:17
Oppression - Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control. The exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel or unjust manner. When a person or group in a position of power controls the less powerful in cruel and unfair ways. Persecution, abuse, maltreatment, subjugation, injustice, brutality, cruelty
"Empathy is simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting and communicating that incredibly healing message of you're not alone." Empathy fuels connections between people.
Scriptures reading: I Corinthians Chapter 13; Matthew 24:12; Ephesians 3:17
I John 3:18
My little children,
Let us not love in word,
neither in tongue
but in deed and in truth