Racism

I find it puzzling as to why racism and other discriminatory treatment flourishes amongst Christians and Christian churches.  I have heard it said on numerous occasions that "God created the black person to be slaves for the whites".  This justification for slavery is added to the story of Ham and Noah.  It is quite plainly a lie and is not even a part of the story of Noah.  So why do some Christians persist with this horrible lie?

At another level the Pauline Hanson phenomenon brought out a lot of support for her cheap shots at Asian people groups who have called Australia their home.  Unfortunately some of her talk brought her support from groups like the Koo Klux Klan.

Even further than this Christians want to separate themselves from the so called "godless" like me.  I am, like others classified as evil, carnal and an enemy of God and his people.  This type of sanctioned discrimination has not onlt divided families but caused countless wars and mass murders.

Below is a story I forwarded to a number of friends.  It is an example how one man's meat is another's poison.  Johan is a personal friend of mine and is an example of how I like to keep the company of those who I don't always agree with.  I am sure that ongoing dialogue between us will create more awareness, better understanding and mutual respect.  He has obviously experienced many difficult situations in South Africa, which make him sensitive to these sorts of stories.

This scene apparently took place on a British Airways flight between
Johannesburg, South Africa and London, England.

A white woman, about 50 years old, was seated next to a black
man. Obviously disturbed by this, she called the air hostess.

"You obviously do not see it then?" she responded.
"You placed me next to a black man.
I do not agree to sit next to someone from such a repugnant
group. Give me an alternative seat."

"Be calm please," the hostess replied.
"Almost all the places on this flight are taken.
will go to see if another place is available."

The hostess went away and then came back a few minutes later.
"Madam, just as I thought, there are no other available seats in the
Economy Class. I spoke to the captain and he informed me that there is
also no seat in the Business Class. All the same, we still have one place in the First Class."

Before the woman could say anything, the hostess continued.
"It is not usual for our company to permit someone from the Economy Class
to sit in the First Class. However, given the circumstances, the Captain
feels that it would be scandalous to make someone sit next to
someone sooooo disgusting."

She turned to the black guy, and said, "Therefore, Sir, if you
would like to, please collect your hand luggage, a seat awaits you
in First Class."

At that moment, the other passengers, who'd been shocked by
what they had just witnessed, stood up and applauded.
This is an alleged true story.

WELL DONE, British Airways

Thanks for the comments Johan

Just a few questions and comments you might like to ponder.

Why do you consider a story about a racist woman offensive?  If the person was from Ovambo, the friendliest people you’ve met, and was treated like that, wouldn’t you be upset?

What country has ever won a war in its own right?  Actually, Australia has won a war in its own right?  You are obviously unaware of that campaign and the brutal efficiency of its campaign.  Its legacy will live on for ever.

Which heros should be tried for their crimes relating to Anzac day?  Simpson was one of the most notable heros on Anzac Cove.  He helped many wounded soldiers with his donkey.

The great tragedy with Anzac Cove and the wars that surrounded it was the fact that Australia was attacking a foreign country, who had allied with Germany and made war on most of Europe.  Australians had and still have the greatest respect for the Turks.  Instead of being racist and treating them like murderers, we honour them.  And to some extent they honour Australians.  That’s why they have set up the memorials there. 

Vietnamese situation is a tragic and terrible story of a pointless and cruel war.  That war should have never even begun.  Often times the soldiers who fight are no more than puppets of governments with misplaced standards.  Still I am glad that so many Vietnamese people have been given haven in Australia.  I try and support and befriend them at any opportunity.  That’s why we patronise a Vietnamese restaurant at Inala so often.  They are wonderful people and our country would do better with more Vietnamese people here.

Although people celebrate different things on Anzac day, I think you are unaware of what the celebrations are directed at.  What are you ashamed of in particular.  Without some of those victories (although there is a sense where there are no real victories in war) you would not have been able to venture to Australia to seek a better life.  I imagine you would have done your homework before coming to Australia and I’m sure some told you that Australia was a great place for a new future.

Did you know that Australia did fight a war on our own shores, against the Japanese?

I am interested in your dream.  Why have you never shared it with me?   I have many ideas and contacts regarding Ovambo and the situation with the people.  Please talk to me about it and we might be able to combine our resources to help in that place.

As I said earlier, I am surprised that you found the story offensive.  I find any story of racism offensive regardless of who the perpetrators are.  I too am the victim of racism, for those who hate Australians.  For me I know some of those feelings are founded and some are unfounded.  The essence of racism, however, is treating a person or group of people differently because of the colour of their skin, their religion or even their culture. 

I am interesting in your feelings and comments.  I respect you as a person and that’s why I’m glad to be able to discuss this sensate issue with you.  We can both learn from each other in this.  I hope you feel the same way.

I would like to add this discussion to my web site, if you don’t mind.  I’m sure you have nothing to hide or be ashamed of so let me know how you feel about it. 

Many people would run from a discussion of this type.  I believe we can achieve peace and understanding by dialogue.  Some believe it can be achieved by hiding.  I couldn’t disagree more.

Regards

Mike  

Ecclesian: G'day Mike,

                  I can see your friends point.  Some years ago, before I met you, we lived in central Queensland and so had a lot to do with the local Murries.  Some of my experiences were really good - like when I briefly worked with ATSIC at a homework centre with the local Gungallu  people.  I have also been sworn at and once in Inala saw a friend beaten up in front of me by a drunk indigenous fellow.  I was also briefly a member of a rather radical group in central QLD called "Christians Speaking Out", which was part of the right wing "patriot/freedom movement" - they were particularly xenophobic and many of them were white supremacists.  So, I can say with authority that I certainly know both sides of the race argument.  The problem is that everything is now political fodder and no one is really honestly one thing or the other without a political agenda attached to it.  The real problem is caused by powerful people (who would be mostly white men in suits) who use that old tactic of divide and conquer to get us fighting each other so that we don't see the real enemy.  Still, brutality seems to be a common human trait - black or white we are all capable of it.  The thing is that justice must be colour blind - if a white person committs an evil, they must be dealt with, same as if a black person does the same thing.  I prefer to call myself a human - hue (colour) man (as in "manus" ie. hand) - we are all colourful. 

Ecclesian.