In It Together: A Conversation About Race Solution Requires ‘Intentional’ Work

Sun., May 31, 1998

The Rev. Tom Starr

When I think of the subtle forms of racism, I’m reminded of the story of a person asking another person what he felt was wrong with our country. Was it ignorance or was it apathy? The answer: “I don’t know and I don’t care.” This may be a joke, but in reality it is not funny.

Prejudice is so subtle because we often do not recognize it in ourselves. Whether our prejudices are racial or cultural we feel good about them and think they must be right. Because we feel so good, because we feel at home with our prejudices, we think that what we are feeling is right.

After all, today’s philosophy dictates that “if it feels good, do it.” It is because of this philosophy that we feel each of us has a right individually to define what is right and what is wrong. After all, we have a right to our opinions. And our opinions must be right.

Being white and part of the majority, I fail to understand what it means to be in the minority. I fail to understand how those in minority communities feel about racism and prejudice. I have, in large measure, ignored the problem. My failure to seek to understand and my failure to care enough to find out is a contributing factor in perpetuating racism.

The problem of racism will not go away unless we begin to care enough to find out what we can do about the problem. And then, taking the time to do what we can about the problem. This will take “intentional” work on each of our parts.

See 3 related stories under the headlines: 1. ‘To grow and learn from each other’ 2. It’s easy to fall into subtle racism trap 3. Covenant should lead us to action

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