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With the Deadly Viper controversy now in full swing (and a public statement from the authors/publisher forthcoming), I’ve been both encouraged and frustrated by the “dialogue” that is happening on numerous sites, blogs, forums, and so forth.  On one hand, if there’s anything I’ve learned from numerous encounters of the digital kind, it’s that genuine communication is very difficult through web media; it’s inherent limitations can be debilitating (not to mention all the weird posturing that happens through online anonymity).  But on the other hand, the technology exists and is certainly being used, so why not make the best of it and hope for actual exchanges that could cumulatively work towards engaging in civil discourse?

Anyway, from skimming the usual complaints and responses which have been fairly typical on this issue, here’s a list of thoughts off the top of my head:

1. Being a Christian does not give anyone a free pass to be ignorant.  Christianity does not automatically turn crap into roses; it does, however, compel us to mutual accountability and edification in the process of redeeming that crap and working towards justice.
2. Racism, racialization, and all its assorted goodies of destruction are real.  It doesn’t matter how nice you are or what good intentions you have, or how many exotic foods you’ve tried.  Nor does it matter how many people of color told you it was okay to tell those jokes.  The social construction of race is in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and certainly the corporate media culture that we consume.
3. Talking about race among Christians is essential: not because we should rub guilt in people’s faces or swing the power in the other direction, but because it is, for better or worse, an integral part of our worldview, and we must address it.  Pretending we should all be colorblind is a destructive myth that dehumanizes the diverse beauty and particularity of all human cultures.
4. As we talk about race, we have to consider power, social position, and historical context.  This conversation does not take place on a blank slate of society; quite to the contrary, race has indelibly marked the construction of the modern world, and again, being Christian cannot erase or dismiss this reality.
5. Christians who care about race have to move past appearances and fear of the politically correct.  This is not fundamentally about quotas, media stereotypes, or social perception.  It is about listening to and embracing the stories, personhood, and experiences of real people who have experienced genuine pain and suffering.
6. It’s okay to be angry about race, as long as that anger is channeled in a constructive direction.  The idea that Christians shouldn’t get angry is like suggesting that Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood is reality; if you’re not angry about something, then you’re either living in a bubble of cardigan sweaters and singing puppets, or you’re just not being honest.
7. The best way to have this conversation is not on a blog, but in person and in community with others.  A well written blog post can never do what an honest human encounter can- let’s work towards those personal engagements at every opportunity.

Speaking of which, Quest’s annual Faith and Race Depth Class is currently underway, and the upcoming Skin Deep Conference is next week.  Great local opportunities to engage.