My opinion is only one opinion but I hope you are able to read this and gain some perspective on where I’m coming from.
First and foremost, my allegiance isn’t to a human being, a political party/candidate, or a sports team, it is to Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone. I believe in the Gospel and its saving power. The answer to overcoming racism is showing the same love that Jesus showed towards us to those that have hurt you (1 John 4:8).
It’s no secret. What happened with George Floyd and others is simple: it was a murder. The fact that Mr. Chauvin was written up for multiple misconduct violations and was not reprimanded or removed from his position is sickening because it could’ve saved a human life.
This is a unique time because this generation has an opportunity to change the existing narrative that has been plaguing our country for centuries. Our country was built on a racist agenda and I feel that people are waking up to what has been going on.
For my white brothers and sisters, the best thing that can be done during this time of reflection is to listen and to learn. Don’t think that you can’t be part of the solution because YOU CAN! You don’t have to post something on social media to make change happen. Personally, I was having internal conversations with friends and learning about every side and not just my own.
Having that difficult conversation with a racist family member and/or friend is one step closer to worldwide unity or taking the time to humble yourself and taking an hour out of your day to talk to a person of color about what can be done to change things is a huge step. Never discount someone’s perspective no matter what.
Now, I’ve grown up in predominantly white areas for the majority of my life. Likewise, I will say that I’ve really never experienced any overt racism but have faced colorism among people of color. This has seldomly been said but remember that racism isn’t just white people being racist to black people. Any race can be racist.
But subtle racism has become a greater poison because it is hidden internally and it is derived from ignorance...not always in a negative way but because people simply haven't experienced it. Everyone must check their heart and ask themselves, "Am I part of the problem?" (myself included)
Often times, I am the only minority in my classes at school. Did I get into UNC-Chapel Hill because I'm black? No, it's because I worked my tail off and spent hours on end to earn my way to success. I don't want to be handed anything. I want to earn it! My motivation was often to prove that there was undeniable evidence that I belonged and not just handed it to me because of my race.
I will say that I have to be more cautious in the way I approach life and view society. If I decide to ask someone on a date, I often hesitate because I have to think, "Will their parents be racist towards an interracial relationship?" If I visit another country, I think "Will they treat me different from the rest of the group?" These are all things I have to think about...
I have black friends, white friends, hispanic friends, and asian friends. They’ve all treated me with respect and I appreciate everyone that has helped to shape me into the man I am today. There are wonderful people in this world and I refuse to let society or the negativity of the media tell me otherwise.
However, it hurts my heart to see individuals make broad generalizations about ALL black people, ALL white people, ALL police officers, ALL Christians, etc. Common sense should tell you that every human being is a different person and we should take the time to learn about an individual before coming to a conclusion.
This last couple of months has been tough for me. I’ve faced a battle with depression and faced persecution about my faith but through it all, I’ve been appreciative of the friends that have built me up instead of tear me down. You know who you are and your conversations and sympathy has saved my life and given me renewed joy.
For friends and family members that have bashed me and made insults about my faith, I would encourage you to take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are practicing the same values that you demand from others. To me, that’s pretty hypocritical…
Ultimately, I want to be part of the solution but as they say, “it takes two to tango” so if anyone wants further perspective on my mindset in regards to these events, please reach out by calling, texting, or DM’ing me and I would love to answer any questions regarding the black community or any other belief I currently hold.
Thank you and God bless,
-Christian
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