For me, the core of Thandeka’s Class and the documentary videos, was an articulate argument for the pitfalls of capitalism. Private pursuit and retention of wealth has served as motivation for manufacturing the wealth gap and is the foundation for the justifications for slavery and genocide. When economics are valued over human life, classism and racism become even more vicious tools for division. Even religious institutions can get caught up in the oppressive systems used to ensure wealth for the few at the expense of the many.
One could argue the upcoming election demonstrates Thandeka’s idea that white people experiencing poverty or financial insecurity can be distracted from the classism that is so destructive to their lives by shifting the focus of their anger and frustration to racism. It may explain some of the enthusiasm for supporting politicians, even as the policies they enact often damage the very people electing them.
In examining how I may be participating in unjust, coercive, or abusive use of power in my relationships with others in regards to race and class, I have begun to ponder how my faith tradition is complicit in perpetuating its own systemic oppressions. Does tying community participation, such as serving in church leadership, to financial commitment to the church perpetuate these oppressions? Does the rigidity of the day and time of services eliminate access for people who work in service industries that include working hours on the weekends? How does ethnocentrism affect our interpretation and presentation of sacred texts? How is the extraordinarily challenging process for ministerial credentialing, ordination requirements, and high cost of education impact our denomination’s ability to be more inclusive at the highest levels? In what ways does our governance, worship, community, and education enforce oppressive practices? In what ways should we be making reparations? How do we hold ourselves accountable? While we do not have the answers, these are some essential questions that I feel we need to examine if we are to move beyond our own complicity in systemic oppression.
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