I just came across this clip, and thought it succinctly explained some concepts of inherent prejudice – the beliefs ingrained in us that we don’t realise we’ve learned. It’s only short, so of course can’t go in depth into it all. It would be easy to start to distance myself from the protests across the world right now – I live in a complex that has a locked gate at the entrance and I don’t go out much – but I have to continue to look at where I’ve learned prejudice, and to talk to my boys about what we see and understand. It’s uncomfortable, but necessary, to keep assessing and questioning what I believe to be true…
At time of posting, there are two other videos in this series. Click on the “YouTube” button at the bottom of this video to find the channel and watch them (and any others that come after these).
If you want a more in depth look at inherent racism in the US, and how it plays out now, watch this (free to watch on YouTube right now, but I don’t know how long it will be available).
It’s just past midnight – that time when the silence crowds in and the winter cold creeps just a bit closer to the bone. Thoughts and memories tumble, with a little sadness mixed in.
I wasn’t looking for this song, but it came up, so I listened. It felt like a warm blanket, the chill receding into the darkness…
As an Australian, I was not brought up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Fred Rogers was a Presbyterian minister, trained in music, who spent most of his life living out his mission to children through the medium of television. His show focused on love and kindness, but also covered difficult topics (such as death, war or divorce) with honesty and in a way that children could comprehend.
In 1969, even though the Civil Rights Act of 1964 had supposedly ended segregation in public places, some places were still opposed to desegregation. These included some public pools. In May of that year, an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood showed a short clip where a black character (Officer Clemmons), who is also a policeman, is invited to cool his feet in a children’s wading pool.Mister Rogers is already enjoying the cool water, and when Officer Clemmons declines the invitation because he doesn’t have a towel, Mister Rogers says they can share his. It’s hard to find a good clip of it, but here’s the best I could find –
Not all of us are good at physically speaking loudly. We can all “speak” loud and clear in our own ways, though, even if it sounds quiet and unassuming. Fred Rogers knew exactly what he was saying here, and used his voice the best way he could.
Years later they recreated the scene. This time Mister Rogers took the towel and dried Officer Clemmons’ feet himself, echoing Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet in John 13. It’s something we don’t see much of in the church anymore. Perhaps we could stand to look again at the words and actions of the Servant King…
Back to the original question – who is my neighbour?
25 Just then a religion scholar stood up with a question to test Jesus. “Teacher, what do I need to do to get eternal life?” 26 He answered, “What’s written in God’s Law? How do you interpret it?” 27 He said, “That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.” 28 “Good answer!” said Jesus. “Do it and you’ll live.” 29 Looking for a loophole, he asked, “And just how would you define ‘neighbor’?” 30-32 Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man. 33-35 “A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’ 36 “What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?” 37 “The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded. Jesus said, “Go and do the same.” Luke 10:25-37 (The Message)
It seems like the world’s on fire at the moment, and it’s hard to see truth in some places.
Of course, you could say that that’s been the case for a very long time. Most of us have just not been looking in the right direction.
As the protests that followed the murder of George Floyd are continuing in the US, it’s hard to watch the pain and sadness boiling over, and to see the backlash from some who just want the Black community to shut up and play nice.
It’s tempting to give in to discomfort and turn the TV off. Flip over to YouTube or catch up TV for a bit of comedy to feel better. I have the privilege to do that. I don’t have to live this every day.
But I also have the responsibility to push past discomfort, or feelings of wanting to justify myself as a white person, and to look at what’s happening, and what I can do or change.
Firstly – Black Lives Matter.
It’s amazing that that seems to have to be explained or qualified to some. Nevertheless, it’s true. And please don’t come back with “All lives matter”. Of course they do. That’s taking away from the issue, and stems from being unwilling to engage with systemic racism and white privilege.
There’s an explanation going around that might help make it a bit clearer – if your house is on fire, it’s not going to help you if the fire department comes to your street and starts hosing down all the houses in the street before coming to yours. All the houses matter. It’s just that it’s yours that’s burning at this moment.
Secondly – White privilege exists, and I have a responsibility to look at my part in it.
What is white privilege? I’ll start with what it isn’t. It’s not saying that every white person’s life is easy, or we haven’t worked to get where we are or gone through terrible things in our lives. What it is, is simply acknowledging that having white skin confers an advantage from birth – most obviously we aren’t judged at first sight simply by our colour. There aren’t assumptions made on our character, lifestyle and whether we belong somewhere because of our skin.
I have two boys – one who is 21, the other 16. I have never had to have The Talk with them – the one where we discuss what they should do in the likely situation that they are pulled over by police. The one where we try to reduce the chances that they are detained or shot.
I have not been followed in a shop because I look suspicious.
I have not been judged to be lazy, morally deficient, drunk or on drugs, having criminal tendencies, threatening, or otherwise undesirable, on first sight.
I’m not likely to stand out much at all, in general society…
Lastly – There are many resourcesavailable to educate ourselves on the issues, and on what we can do. There’s also a lot of misinformation – there are people invested in continuing the status quo. It’s always worth checking sources before clicking on that share button…
Remember the names of those killed just this year for being black, in the “wrong” place and time. Here are some of them. George Floyd – died after a police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes, as he pleaded that he couldn’t breathe. Ahmaud Arbery – chased and gunned down by two men while he was jogging, because they considered he looked suspicious. Breonna Taylor – shot eight times in her bed by police executing a “no knock” warrant, who forced their way in without announcing themselves.
As Australians, we shouldn’t be complacent, and there is work to do here, and prejudices to challenge.
More than 400 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have died in custody since the end of the royal commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody in 1991. They each have their own stories, and their own names. Here are some – David Dungay Junior – Killed in custody after refusing to stop eating a packet of biscuits. His last words were also “I can’t breathe”. Kumanjayi Walker – Shot three times at his home at Yuendumu. Tanya Day – Died in custody after falling asleep on a train and being taken in for “public drunkenness”.
Yes, there’s a lot to read, listen to and learn.
It’s time to do that.
Black communities have been trying to get our attention for decades, or centuries… don’t focus on the few that seem to be behaving in ways you might not deem to be appropriate. Look at what they’re trying to say.
To finish, here are some protest songs from the past.
Here’s a song we sang Sunday at online church. It’s one we’ve sung quite a few times before.
With the weather getting colder recently, I’ve had a bit of a cough, so it’s been fluffy socks and warm clothes for me! These verses from the song have also been a comfort –
“It’s Your breath
in our lungs
so we pour out our praise…”
I was born and raised in North Queensland. I had various fevers, and most of the childhood diseases, growing up. I don’t remember ever having the common cold, though!
When I moved to England at 25, I had no immunity to the bugs there, and seemed to have colds on a regular basis. The blocked nose, difficulty breathing, coughing… I’d never had those before, and thought I was dying! The doctors pretty much laughed at me, but again I found comfort in the songs we sang at church. There was one in particular at that time, which included these lines –
“To You, I bow:
The King who commands my every breath,
The Man who has conquered sin and death,
My Lord and my King;
My everything.”
I don’t know what the future will bring.
But I do know a King who does!
Anyone who’s seen a TV series called “Monk” may have given a passing thought to how Adrian Monk might handle a pandemic.
Now you can find out!
The actual Monk mini episode starts at 1:40…
There’s seems to be an opportunity to support essential workers through a link if you go to YouTube, although it might be restricted to the US (doesn’t work for me).
If you have a favourite actor or singer, it might be worth googling them to see if they’ve released any content recently – a lot of people are. Or just binge watch the shows you love!
My frame of reference these days is much smaller than it has been in the past. Most days the patch of outdoors I see is the back garden and the sky above the back fence. It could feel claustrophobic, but usually there’s a comforting consistency.
I’ve travelled in my past life, and seen beautiful views and magnificent natural weather patterns – from storms to snow to crashing seas. One day, I will again.
I believe there is a Creator, and that He is ever present and always listening, ready to answer our prayers. It can be much easier to see His presence in the wildness of the storms, but I also see the quiet whispers in my own little patch of sky.
“God’s splendor is a tale that is told; his testament is written in the stars. Space itself speaks his story every day through the marvels of the heavens. His truth is on tour in the starry vault of the sky, showing his skill in creation’s craftsmanship. 2 Each day gushes out its message to the next, night with night whispering its knowledge to all.” Psalm 19:1-2 (Passion translation)
Here’s a taste of my personal skies over the last week or so…
So, the isolation period is still ongoing, with a quick side trip to pick up groceries from time to time (although I don’t usually go on those). We’re doing fine – we’re used to being at home together, anyway!
I got to thinking about gratitude, and what I have to be thankful for. There’s been times in my life that were hard, and it was easy to complain. I’ve had to learn over the years that thankfulness is often a matter of choice – of choosing to capture the moments of grace, to see the good things in the ones you love, and to remember the everyday privileges of living in a developed country where basic needs are provided without much thought or worry. Life is an opportunity to find the good, and pass it on!
Today I’m taking it easy, sorting out some stuff, finishing some things. I’m a bit achy – somehow I managed to pull something in my back/shoulderblade last night, apparently just by picking up a cup of tea… I never knew I was so talented! After an application of heat and a good night’s sleep it’s not too bad, but I’m moving slowly.
So, what is there to be thankful for?
The rain right now – it’s so beautiful. Bit chilly, but peaceful.
Lots and lots of books! And the ability to read them. I’ve had a good education, which has helped in my life in more ways than I can think of.
Having the leisure at this time to read/blog/chill out on YouTube.
The use of the internet, which helps me to stay connected with the world.
Friends to stay connected with!
Our little garden which, though tiny and ragged, is visited by beautiful wildlife – butterflies, dragonflies, bees and the occasional inquisitive cat.
My beautiful family, who are the best people for me to be spending isolation with. I rarely see Biggest Boy (he’s in his room, mostly) but when he emerges he pats me on the head affectionately and has a chat. And Sweet Bean always opens the back door for me when I’m taking the washing basket out, because he’s sweet and kind! My Babe goes out of his way to get nice things while shopping, and always makes sure we’re doing well.
All in all, they’re the Best Ever ❤ !
A connection and relationship with God, which has always helped me through difficult times, especially when there was no other help near.
Here’s a clip of a song doing the rounds, which I’ve been seeing on people’s feeds, but have only just got around to watching. It’s a whole list of UK churches getting together (virtually) to sing a blessing.
I was unprepared for the wave of homesickness that washed over me as I listened. The words are a version of a blessing from the earliest books of the Bible, and which I’ve heard many times in my life.
I’ve been to a couple of these churches, and gone to the concerts of a couple of the individuals in the clip. This virus has separated us in a lot of ways, but I think it’s also helped us see how close we can be, and how much we are connected.
Be blessed.
It’s a new day!
a bit of creativity, a bit of eco consciousness, a bit of inspiration.... hopefully not a lot of pompousness and blathering :D
i'm not entirely sure what's going on here... let's travel along and see...
1000 Fields of Roses 