White Reactions to Race Discussions

I have had several discussions lately with groups of White people, mostly men, who have read at least parts of my newest book, “Growing Up White in the Heart of Memphis.” One local church has two weekly breakfast gatherings of men to discuss either a book of the Bible or a religious book of some kind. They had just finished Ephesians, and before going on to James, chose to discuss my book. Also, a local mostly Black church has started a small book club working on racial issues, starting with my book. And I tend to mention it whenever I think it is appropriate to do so. Thank you to those who thought it worthy of discussion.

Until these more recent experiences, the most usual reaction I have heard has been from people my age expressing that they had similar experiences to mine as they grew up. I have been a little surprised, though, by what I would call naivety of some of the more recent reactions from younger men. Some wanted to know why history is important. “Shouldn’t we just look to the future?” Some expressed dismay that the issues of Black/White relations were still being pushed. “Hasn’t this all been settled?” When the discussion turned to handouts to panhandlers, one man said, “You know what they will do with it.” And there was one fellow who when I brought up the book in a private conversation started speaking of all Black people as “them’ and “they.” “They do this; they won’t do that.” Maybe it is okay for me to call these reactions "naive" because I just published a book about how naive I have been over many years.

I tried to answer these reactions as best I could, as did others in the group discussions. And it occurred to me that, at least to a small extent, the book had accomplished one of its purposes: to encourage people to think about and discuss race issues in the church. People may not think like I do, but they are thinking.

I am reading a book now about why it is hard for White people to talk about race. I expect to have more to say about that as I read on. In the meantime, what do you think about the reaction I got from the group discussions?

What makes writers different from other people?

We met an interesting young woman last evening, a school employee who was fascinated with the game we were playing. It is a Scrabble rip off. Charlene invited her to sit with us and we talked a good while. Eventually the conversation turned to my books and I gave her one. She kept exclaiming that she had met a writer. What I didn’t tell her was what a writer had told me once long ago.

He asked if I knew what was different about writers that separates them from people who aren’t writers. Of course, I didn’t, so he told me. He said, “Writers write.” If you want to be a writer, you can. You just need to write. It can be in a diary with a pencil, in an old-fashioned notebook with a pen, on your laptop, or on your phone, but you need to write. What do you write, you ask? Whatever is on your heart, but write. Write something every day. You have a unique view of the world. You are different from everyone else. Write down what you see and what you think about it.

Or make up a story and write it down. Maybe it is a sentence today and 14 paragraphs tomorrow; but write. When you have something written down, then you can worry about editing it and decide whether you want to publish it.

Don’t Be Put Off by Put Downs

Have you ever been referred to as a “Do Gooder”? How about as a “social Justice Advocate”? Someone who puts social justice over evangelism? These references can be discouraging.

Charlene and I keep sacks of goodies in the car for anyone we see who is panhandling. That is, standing beside the road with a sign. The bags have several food items, along with a toothbrush, a small tooth paste, a pair of new socks and two dollars. Recently a friend said, “You know what they are going to do with it.” But we don’t really know, do we?

On Christmas Eve we and some of our friends and family go from place to place where people are working and give them plates of cookies, many of them hand decorated Christmas sugar cookies. Places include the police and fire departments, where our tradition started. We now also stop at convenience stores and fast food places.

We are not naïve. We are not new in this game. I was the Social Service Director for the Minnesota county that includes the capitol city and I held similar positions in Florida. But I am mindful that The Hebrew writer said, “²Always remember to help people by welcoming them into your home. Some people have done that and have helped angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). And Jesus was put down, doubtless with a sneer, by religious leaders who called Him a “friend of sinners.” He was not turned aside from His endeavors by the put downs and we should not be either. As my granddaddy might have said, “Take the bit in your teeth and plow on.”

 

Nothing But a Child

Here's a Christmas song you probably won't hear on a local radio program. One of my favorites:

Steve Earle

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Once upon a time, in a far off land
Wise men saw a sign and set out across the sand 

Songs of praise to sing, they traveled day and night
Precious gifts to bring, guided by the light

They chased a brand new star, ever towards the west
Across the mountains far, but when it came to rest
They scarce believed their eyes, they'd come so many miles
And this miracle they prized was nothing but a child

Nothing but a child could wash those tears away
Or guide a weary world into the light of day
And nothing but a child could help erase those miles
So once again we all can be children for awhile

Now all around the world, in every little town
Everyday is heard a precious little sound
And every mother kind and every father proud
Looks down in awe to find another chance allowed

Nothing but a child could wash those tears away
Or guide a weary world into the light of day
And nothing but a child could help erase those miles
So once again we all can be children for awhile

Click here to hear it: Nothing But a Child