For those of you who aren't in Madison, there has been quite a stir about racial disparity. A local pastor wrote an article pointing out the difference in treatment between races, particularly the state of African Americans in this particular city. Madison is ranked the worst city for Black Americans. This discussion has opened follow-up discussions about other minority groups and their livelihood in this city. It has begun a very painful, but very open dialogue about treatment of people and societal structures.
Having just moved from the most diverse zip code in the nation to the worst city in the country for minority groups, has been a dramatic change. In the city we came from, you could go to a grocery store and see people from all over the world. Here, the closest grocery store definitely has a dominant racial population. I used to work in an office with a very diverse staff who operated more like a family. We could talk openly about race, and even tease each other about idiosyncrasies without anyone being offended or feeling persecuted. The place I work now is great, but lacks the same diversity as where I came from. I'm really not trying to compare the two places so that one comes out better than the other, simply to illustrate the difference.
I love culture and diversity. I love learning about people's walks of life and the way each person processes life experiences. It's hard for white Americans to think of their culture, but culture is so much more than traditions and festivals. Culture is your processes: the way you cook dinner, the way you greet someone, or even the way you work. Sometimes we can be so ingrained in our culture, our way of doing things, that we don't notice we have run over someone who does things differently. It can be a very unintentional but very painful mistake.
So Madison is currently in a stir about how to make this city a better place for all her inhabitants. I love that the conversation has been opened by a pastor, and is being supported by many organizations and groups. I also love that the conversation has expanded beyond just one population to include all minority populations. I am excited to see what happens, and prayerful that this isn't just another big stink that doesn't accomplish anything. Many people involved in these discussions have mentioned their frustration at having been part of these conversations before and seeing no results. I am praying that this time is different.
Please be praying with me. I believe that multiculturalism is a Jesus idea. Jesus was a Jew who reached out and included non-Jews. He set the example for his followers and then in his final lesson told his followers to go to the ends of the earth. I believe that if real change is going to happen, it is going to start with the individual. We are going to have to confront the wrong mindsets and viewpoints inside each of us, and make intentional changes in us before we will see any kind of large scale change. Open dialogue is necessary. We need to be brave enough to ask and answer the hard questions with lowered defenses. It's going hurt and it's going to be really hard. But it will be so worth it. There is something really special and precious about a group of people from different races, cultures, and languages coming together with one goal and one focus. Heaven on earth.
If you are interested in learning more about what is going on in Madison, visit www.madisonjustifiedanger.com.
Having just moved from the most diverse zip code in the nation to the worst city in the country for minority groups, has been a dramatic change. In the city we came from, you could go to a grocery store and see people from all over the world. Here, the closest grocery store definitely has a dominant racial population. I used to work in an office with a very diverse staff who operated more like a family. We could talk openly about race, and even tease each other about idiosyncrasies without anyone being offended or feeling persecuted. The place I work now is great, but lacks the same diversity as where I came from. I'm really not trying to compare the two places so that one comes out better than the other, simply to illustrate the difference.
I love culture and diversity. I love learning about people's walks of life and the way each person processes life experiences. It's hard for white Americans to think of their culture, but culture is so much more than traditions and festivals. Culture is your processes: the way you cook dinner, the way you greet someone, or even the way you work. Sometimes we can be so ingrained in our culture, our way of doing things, that we don't notice we have run over someone who does things differently. It can be a very unintentional but very painful mistake.
So Madison is currently in a stir about how to make this city a better place for all her inhabitants. I love that the conversation has been opened by a pastor, and is being supported by many organizations and groups. I also love that the conversation has expanded beyond just one population to include all minority populations. I am excited to see what happens, and prayerful that this isn't just another big stink that doesn't accomplish anything. Many people involved in these discussions have mentioned their frustration at having been part of these conversations before and seeing no results. I am praying that this time is different.
Please be praying with me. I believe that multiculturalism is a Jesus idea. Jesus was a Jew who reached out and included non-Jews. He set the example for his followers and then in his final lesson told his followers to go to the ends of the earth. I believe that if real change is going to happen, it is going to start with the individual. We are going to have to confront the wrong mindsets and viewpoints inside each of us, and make intentional changes in us before we will see any kind of large scale change. Open dialogue is necessary. We need to be brave enough to ask and answer the hard questions with lowered defenses. It's going hurt and it's going to be really hard. But it will be so worth it. There is something really special and precious about a group of people from different races, cultures, and languages coming together with one goal and one focus. Heaven on earth.
If you are interested in learning more about what is going on in Madison, visit www.madisonjustifiedanger.com.
Bill taught and I worked at the College of Biblical Studies in Houston. The college is geared to reach minority students. We learned so much and made so many friends of different races, cultures and backgrounds. We agree that this is what Jesus taught and what the New Testament church is to be like. Thanks for this post. Uni
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