 St Alban’s Episcopal Church Bolivar, Missouri Monday, February 1, 2022 A few commemorations Black History Month Lunar New Year Still remembering the Holocaust   Lunar New Year – celebrated by most Asian countries by Gale Leslie Roberts – member of St Albans, reader, the “tree planting guy.” “I am feeling an odd mixture of anger and joy this morning of the lunar new year. Anger at this pointless, stupid anti-Asian hatred that is sweeping the country in the wake of Trump’s attacks on Asian people. I know it’s not new. I remember the common sentiment around here during the Vietnam war: ‘Kill them all and let God sort them out.’ Even when my childhood friend was killed in the war I never felt that way, The joy is from what all these different Asian peoples have brought to this country, including here in Polk County – their culture, their religions, their example of relentless hard work and determination to succeed for themselves and particularly for their children. They are an integral part of the tapestry of all the peoples that make up America and I for one rejoice that they are here.” So let’s dedicate today to eradicating hate and indifference and celebrating everyone’s unique histories and rich cultural heritages. How are we dealing with anti-Semitism? When school boards or parents attempt to restrict what their kids can read about the Holocaust – like the excellent graphic novel, Maus, but even books like the Diary of Anne Frank, when some openly parade with flags bearing Swastikas, and celebrate Nao-Nazi groups, we are in trouble. (It is perfectly right to discuss how the secular state of Israel deals with the Palestinians, Jews do, too. Israelis do. But it is absurd to do so if we ignore the reality that the PLO still doesn’t recognize Israel as a state and still advocates for its destruction). And it is dangerous to begin to demand teaching “both sides” of the Hitlerian agenda, to deny the Holocaust or to insist that it wasn’t really so bad. Last week iconic Union Station was defaced with multiple swastikas and synagogues in Chicago and Lincolnwood were vandalized. Sadly, we are at risk of becoming accustomed to such attacks as they proliferate across the nation. According to statistics gathered by the FBI and the American Jewish Committee, 2021 saw the most instances of antisemitism in the last decade. The Church was largely silent in the 1930-s in Germany. Christians couldn’t believe that Hitler was up to. (Neither did most Jews) But this is how it began – in little ways. Don’t tolerate jokes, comments, anything that implies that Judaism and Jews are acceptable targets of violence – even verbal violence. And if you haven’t read MAUS, do.  Black History Month As we enter this month let’s do better than simply celebrating the nicest comments made by Dr Martin Luther King, and those out of context. And let’s not focus on slavery, either. That isn’t Black history; it’s White history – with which we have not yet come to terms. Instead let’s focus on the contribution and achievements of Black Americans in every area of life, from science and art and politics, education, innovations and theology. One way to do it is to sign up for “28 Days of Black History” – at 28DAYSOFBLACK HISTORY.COM Another is to make a point of getting to know about the six Black women who are on the short list for nomination by President Biden to the Supreme Court. Here are their names – Look them up. And refuse to get drawn into stupid debates about how “racist” it is for him to promise to include a Black woman on the court. Ketanji Brown Jackson Leondra Kruger Sherrilyn Ifill Candace Jackson-Akiwumi J. Michelle Childs Holly A Thomas Search out Black history online with your kids. Buy them new books about Black inventors, and others. Normalize the talents and contributions of Black people to American life – but NOT ONLY IN SPORTS. The myth that Black people are more animalistic, stronger more powerful, more likely to succeed is sports than white ones hurts our Black boys. It tells them that is all they are good for. And even as Americans idolize Black athletes, they also fear them when they see them walking down the street – and for the same reason. Black kids have often turned to sports as a way out of poverty – because so many other avenues were closed to them. Let’s change that narrative. Today twelve Black Colleges and Universities were hit with bomb threats. Racism is alive an well, here and everywhere. Resist it. Don’t be silent.  |
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