New Monastics and White Privilege (by Eliacín Rosario-Cruz)
[see all posts in this conversation on New Monastics and race.]
Las Caras Lindas de mi Gente Negra,
Son un desfile de melaza en flor,
Que cuando pasan frente a mi se alegra,
De su negrura todo el corazón-Tite Curet Alonso
I was delighted to be asked to participate in this conversation, even though I am not a leader or spokesperson for the New Monastic movement. I am using the term New Monasticism (as the group that is inspired by The School(s) for Conversion: 12 Marks of a New Monasticism) for the sake of common understanding because that is the concept that has been used in this conversation so far, even though I believe New Monasticism is varied and larger than just the 12 marks and the popular idea of what New Monasticism is.
Like Jason and Vonetta, my family is interracial and multiethnic. I am a Puerto Rican of brown skin. My wife is white, born and raised in the state of Washington. We have two kids and a third growing in "mamí's belly," as my daughter would say. My kids are growing as hyphenated people, with a rich racial and ethnic heritage as Irish, white, Taino/Arawakan, brown, African, Potowatomi, Welsh, Spanish, black, German,Puerto Rican, mestizo, and USA American. My children are growing also in one of the few countries that ignores and often violently negates the reality of people's multiple racial and ethnic identities. This does not happen only in the political/social services arena, but it is pervasive in all aspects of our lives -- including our churches and our "movements." En donde quiera se cuecen habas.
For me and mine (my family, community, friends) this conversation is not just another topic of the many we can choose from; this conversation is part of our core beings. Because of this I want to invest time and energy in conversations and relationships that will generate mutual transformation and growth. As a good friend told me recently, "blog conversations are a good start on a small front -- but the real work is ahead of us."
I am joyful to read Shane's and Jonathan's responses of how they are perceiving and working with the issue of racial reconciliation, healing, and full embrace in their private lives and in the life of their communities. I am also glad at their honesty in considering those points as only baby steps. Realizing that we are only crawling is a necessary action in order to see that we still have a lot of maturing to do. Andando, andando que la Virgen nos va ayudando.
What Vonetta and Jason have done with their provocative blog post is to help shed light on the homogeneous white and male expression in New Monasticism and beyond. By that I mean how "natural" it seems that most of the perceived leadership of this movement is white and male. I am certain there are women and men of color alongside. People of color are often considered strong companions and wise counselors, but often in hierarchies of power, people of color are behind the scenes -- not in the spotlight. Part of the luxury of oblivious white privilege is that it is normal to have people of color around, while for the most part being oblivious that they are systematically assigned a place on the sidelines. It is not by chance that it is hard to find people of color as prominent figures in spreading the vibes of New Monasticism through books, conferences, and new media. This also true of many other new emerging expressions of contemporary Christianity.
This predominantly white expression of New Monasticism is not a personal thing; it is part of a larger system of social categories, social identity and perception. New Monastics, white and of color, are not above or beyond the psychology that structures our racial and social identity and consciousness. Nor do we live in a vacuum where we are not affected -- positively or negatively -- by these structures. So this conversation is not about just individuals, but about bigger dominant systems of oppression. That said, it does get personal sometimes -- and not by choice. The unearned privilege that comes with being white may not be something people choose or take. The advantage is given by the system of social categorization, but the realization that some might benefit from a social construct while others are marginalized is a tough pill to swallow.
People in the spotlight and those who are socially perceived as leaders have lots of responsibility to speak out loud about these evil structures that thrive on silence. It is not enough to speak when asked and stay silent the rest of the time. To not speak of the issue is to give the perception that there is no issue.
If there is no challenge to the practices that -- intentionally or not -- support and preserve the marginalization of people of color, then we are accomplices in a self-perpetuating system of domination and oppression, while at the same time pulverizing efforts of racial healing, reconciliation, and full embrace. I am very glad Jason and Vonetta started making a loud enough noise about this subject that now it is part of a public open discussion.
Perhaps we need to work to a broader understanding of the formation of racial identity and systems of oppression and privilege. Perhaps we need to come to terms with the fact that while some have the option to move to the abandoned places of the empire, there are even more desolate places in hearts and minds and that are in dire need of liberation and redemption.
I do have some other things to say, but I was asked to write only a blog post, not a dissertation. Maybe there is more to come later.
Somos la melaza que ríe,
Somos la melaza que llora,
Somos la melaza que ama,
Y en cada beso,
Es conmovedora-Titet Curet Alonso
Eliacín Rosario-Cruz serves as community catalyst and cultivator with Mustard Seed Associates. He and his family are part of The Mustard Seed House -- an intergenerational Christian intentional community in Seattle, where they eat, play, work, garden, pray, and conspire for a new reality.
[see all posts in this conversation on New Monastics and race.]
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Comments
Very good stuff, Eliacin. The issues around formation of racial identity are fertile ground, and seeking reconciliation in all the abandoned (and perhaps even moreso, the "occupied") places of Empire.
Posted by: Pat | September 8, 2008 1:58 PM
Thanks, brother, for taking this conversation deeper. It is such an easy thing for new monasticism (and other sorts of missional engagement) to get entwined with some sort of "White man's burden" thinking. Whether we like it or not, Race has become a Principality in our society and we can't afford to be naive about the ways that its tentacles reach into the ways we do church together.
Posted by: Mark Van Steenwyk | September 8, 2008 2:18 PM
Has there ever been any discussion about changing the term from "White privilege" to something the white community won't just dismiss out of hand?
It's not exactly a misnomer, but many white people, don't understand it. If they were on the wrong side of the tracks, they don't feel like they've ever benefitted from it.
Posted by: frankie | September 8, 2008 4:02 PM
Frankie,
I understand what you are saying and at times I have ask similar questions. The problem with changing some terms is that most of the time the changes are done to ease the discomfort that concepts like white or male privilege cause to those whom enjoy those benefits. Privilege is a paradox and some individuals inside the benefitted group might get the "short" end of the stick in certain areas while benefitting widely in others.
In my experience white folks from other side of the track see white privilege as mostly an economic advantage. The benefits of been white is larger than just money.
The following is a very popular and accessible-- still clear and strong-- survey of some of the daily effects and benefits of white privilege.
http://seamonkey.ed.asu.edu/~mcisaac/emc598ge/Unpacking.html
Paz y esperanza,
Eliacin
Posted by: eliacin | September 8, 2008 4:39 PM
Great observations. Your article reminded me of a book I read and wholeheartedly reccomend to anyone who's interested in digging deeper. "The Heart of Whiteness: Confronting Race, Racism and White Privilege" by Robert Jensen.
I think white "Ego" needs to get out of the way and refrain from working within the entrenched hierarchy of the time. To a degree, I think if stereotypes go unchallenged and people don't examine their own bias, the issue of race and white privilege will remain something to grapple with.
Posted by: jack | September 8, 2008 6:41 PM
"...the realization that some might benefit from a social construct while others are marginalized is a tough pill to swallow."
This, it seems to me, is the key.
And the problem is that those of us receiving the benefit can't see it. Yes, some choose not to see it, but for others (like my parents) it's invisible. And I expect this is especially so if "they" come from backgrounds where they didn't feel like there was any priviledge-economically or socially.
And if you live in places where racial diversity is nearly unknown, where white is the primary color (like Washington's Olympic Penninsula)the European crowd, including those in church have an even harder time seeing the problem- let alone admitting it exists.
(Honestly, I'm afraid that with every word my ignorance on the subject of race is screaming.)
So here's a question: how does a white pastor in a white town avoid being an accomplice in the system of "domination and oppression?"
Peace
Posted by: SkipinPT | September 8, 2008 7:56 PM
This conversation seems strained to me. I appreciate the love and commitment of each of the contributors; and honor you for the choices you have made with your lives.
Let's hold firm in our confidence in the Gospel and pray with faith for a wisdom born in obedience and humility before God.
God often places difficult questions/challenges in our laps. We sometimes turn and worship those questions. But the purpose of the questions is often to turn our hearts and minds together towards Himself.
When we push to the point we feel confused and/or strained we need to humbly submit. The Lord has not given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
Posted by: letjusticerolldown | September 9, 2008 1:04 AM
maybe I can suggest, without taking our eyes of 'white privilege', to speak also of 'rank' as a form of injustice everyone knows. 'rankism' plays into our daily lives and each one of us has experienced how it can corrode even the best intended relationships. robert w. fuller has written insightful books on the subject. have a look at http://www.breakingranks.net
as a european white female christian, i had to reexamine many of the perogatives that accompany my life. but i agree, with knowledge and God's help we are to overcome.
Posted by: DB | September 9, 2008 2:57 AM
Thank you my brother.
grace and peace.
Posted by: Jarrod Saul McKenna | September 9, 2008 3:01 AM
Dear brother,
you wrote: "My children are growing also in one of the few countries that ignores and often violently negates the reality of people's multiple racial and ethnic identities." As a white American male who spent five years in East Asia and now several in the Middle East. I can assure you, the U.S. is NOT one of the few. It happens everywhere. Whiteness carries denotes privileges in these places too, but non-privilege as well, as do the other shades of brown and black that are found in these areas and which are not the same as those in the centers of power in these places.
you wrote: "Because of this I want to invest time and energy in conversations and relationships that will generate mutual transformation and growth." The Catholic church has something called the Preferential Option for the Poor. We should also adopt a preferential option for those of color. I do my best. But I am not perfect. Isn't it nice to have a place where we could actually do this?
you wrote: "By that I mean how "natural" it seems that most of the perceived leadership of this movement is white and male." Lead us. I am willing to follow.
you wrote: "Perhaps we need to work to a broader understanding of the formation of racial identity and systems of oppression and privilege. Perhaps we need to come to terms with the fact that while some have the option to move to the abandoned places of the empire, there are even more desolate places in hearts and minds and that are in dire need of liberation and redemption."
You seem to be saying that we need to realize that liberation our hearts and minds is dependent upon our ability to work for those for whom empire does not work, i.e. a social Gospel version of Christianity. Is this not what the entire Sojourners project, and the Catholic Worker project is about? Of course it is a struggle. Who said it wasn't?
Pax, TG
Posted by: Todd Godwin | September 9, 2008 5:11 AM
This was an interesting post. Discussions of privilege are for the cosmopolitan crowd -- itself a form of privilege of which I am aware.
That said, and without getting too deeply entangled in "discourse," we who read theology might benefit from a new book "Race a Theological Account," by Dr. J. Cameron Carter of Duke Divinity School.
Many see it as a deconstruction project of black theology -- not so (that critique is probably the clearest expression of white privilege). Rather, the book argues, as I see it, that the problem of modern theology is racism. That is to say, theology itself has a whiteness problem, that is primarily complicit with the formation of a racist world.
But in brief, I think for Rev. So and So pastoring in an all white small town in a nearly all white state ... I think we all are challenged to see a world beyond ourselves.
And those folks in that town in that church often do. Those folks have opinions about undocumented workers, even if there are none in their community. Those folks have opinions about black churches from seeing Jeremiah Wright on TV even if they know of no black churches or African American ministers.
It's lazy to suggest folks don't think about the world "out there," just because none of that world is "in here," with us.
If we overcome that privileged notion that we don't have to think about it, because it doesn't affect us ... it's amazing how much the U.S., for example is in the minds of people in the rest of the world, but they aren't on our minds at all.
So, divesting of this, I don't live around "others" so I won't or don't think about them is really a major step to getting past that.
I don't have to live in a place where South Asian Christians are being killed in India to not want to understand and express solidarity with my brothers and sisters.
If we truly wanted to be the "church" that went beyond Jerusalem and Judea to samaria and the ends of the earth, then we would have to be much more cross-culturally engaged -- even in our thinking.
Anyway, enough to start ...
Posted by: Person | September 9, 2008 9:38 AM
Eliacin,
Thank you for your understanding. I've read the list, and have to say that the term, "trailer park trash" comes to mind. If you are percieved as such, you don't get much white priviledge either.
I will say that I've been able to rent just about any place I every needed to, but I've lost apartments to people of other races who got there before me, or sublet from people of different races. When I bought, I had to live in a neighborhood I didn't want to live in because it was all I could afford.
Whites fear for their safety in groups of other races, especially if they were raised during the racial riots of the 60s and 70s. And NEVER have I seen someone come late to a meeting and have it attributed to their race. I've heard it talked about in churches as a cultural difference, and I had a black girl at work ask me if I knew about colored-people time, but I've never seen it blamed. (I often run late.)
I don't say this to say it doesn't happen. I say this because I really think we share more sameness than many would like for us to believe. I'd rather build on that sameness than focus on the differences. I've done a lot of cross-cultural work as well, and while focussing on cultural differences is fasicnating, it makes you identify everyone by their culture first. That's a little creepy to me.
Posted by: frankie | September 9, 2008 11:28 AM
thanks so much Eliacin for your words and your heart and your voice! I myself being white, but having a Chinese adopted daughter, I see more clearly the race issue and see the need for change and much more conversation and much more action. I greatly appreciate the Seattle area because of its diversity but also because of its great acceptance of diverse cultures, race and spirituality. In the last year, I had an experience with a phenomenal Native American speaker that opened my eyes to their culture and the intense racial struggles they deal with. Up until then I was completely oblivious to the issues, because I never heard any conversation about them, so it was as if it didn't exist. So how important it is to keep the dialogue very open about race in our society. I am so thankful for the people that I have connected with of different race over the last two years since moving to Seattle. People like you Eliacin and Eugene Cho and Richard Twiss (my native American friend), help to bring the prophetic reality of the race conversation to the forefront, and I am very glad for each of your voices, and the many others that speak their minds and hearts from their present reality. Thank You!!
rock on,
jeff greer
Posted by: jeff greer | September 9, 2008 1:03 PM
In my experience, groups and movements tend to be strongest within the context in which they originated, at least for the first generation of the group/movement.
If a bunch of white people come up with an idea and start a group, it's sort of silly to look around afterwards and say "How come all the people of color haven't come and joined our group?"
I wonder when we white people will start looking at the groups and movements that already exist among people of color, and asking "how can we join in and help with what *you* are doing?" Knowing that such help could be unwelcome, or more than welcome.
I wonder when it will be easy for all of us to form friendships across racial divides, because it's going to take more than mental attitude shifts or fancy theories, more than 1 or 2 token "friends of other races" in an otherwise all-white life--it's going to take millions of friendships to get to the point where racial reconciliation becomes normal.
Posted by: Heather W. Reichgott | September 18, 2008 12:29 PM
Hello from Australia,
As I see it, the basic historical factor in issues of race is imperialism.
Racism does not emerge out of uncomfortableness with dark skin but rather through the history of genocide and occupation of indigenous land and the stealing of people as slaves to build the imperial economy.
The struggle between imperial/colonising perspective and indigenous/colonised perspective arises from a persons relationship to that history, are we part of the colonised society or the colonising society?
Where is the church in this historic divide? Since Constantine the Church's theology has developed hand in glove with European Imperialism and has become blind to the indigenous struggle of Jesus against Rome and the Old Testament stories of resistance to foreign gods, cultures and governments in the land of Abraham.
I wrote this from an Australian perspective
"Babylon and the Christian Church in Australia"
http://unlearningtheproblem.wordpress.com/2008/09/19/babylon-and-the-christian-church-in-australia/
Posted by: John Tracey | September 25, 2008 10:01 AM
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