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IOI090911

Commentary - From a Dialogue Group

On Tuesday, September 8, the First Presbyterian/One Columbus Dialogue Group continued our series on race. There was a somewhat smaller group of nine interested persons. We began this session with the first of our two challenges which were proposed as the end of the last session. As a reminder the two issues were: first, to consider whether the problem of racism truly is "out there" (the external world) rather than "in here" (within our hearts and minds). Most of the group believes that there is still at least some racial discrimination in our society. So the question is: Why does any racial discrimination continue to exist among us? We were challenged to look within our own hearts and souls and identify as honestly as we can what our own personal deep feelings are on the issue of racism. Do we notice any reluctance to reach out to others within ourselves? What do we feel toward others who are outside of our "in-group"? What benefits do we derive from continuing to maintain this "natural tendency" to differentiate ourselves from others and to associate with those who are like us, and what would we lose if all trace of racism were to disappear?

The second issue proposed last week was to listen to the news for a week and note how persons or issues are treated by newscasters/reporters/ experts/commentators/pundits. Is there a difference in the way the media treats news items that involve racial matters as compared with those which seem racially neutral? What kinds of racial issues trigger a media reaction? What is identified as news, i.e., what is worth the station's effort in a limited time setting of a half-hour to an hour?

Because there were only two white participants for this session, the discussion began with questions addressed to the white participants regarding a perceived "natural tendency" of people to find differences among themselves and to associate with those who are most like them. Is this desire to be with those who are like us really natural? Or is it a choice? At first blush, the response seemed clearly to be that our social preferences were indeed natural. The response to the question is crucial, it would appear; because, if our associations flow from nature, there seems to be much less that we can do about changing them. Then, the further question arises, as to what the purpose of engaging in dialogue groups such as this one is? Participation in the dialogue group seems to suggest, on the contrary, that we believe in a possibility for change.

The suggestion was made, then, that association with others who are like us is a choice rather than a response of nature. Do we use the word "natural" to cover up our reluctance to question why racial distinctions continue; even to hide these distinctions from ourselves? To the comment that animals naturally "flock together" with their own kind, two points were made. The first was that among humans we are not talking about difference kinds of animals--all humans, no matter what their genetic differences might be, are of one species, unlike, say, cats and dogs or cardinals and blue jays. The second point was that neither do animals have the ability to make choices as we humans do. Thus to use the behavior patterns among animals to draw a conclusion about humans will not do. So we are back to the question of whether we separate ourselves by nature or by choice. The latter response seems clearly preferable.

Like any choice, this one can be changed, albeit often with great resistance; and we can decide to intermingle with persons of a different "race" or color or sex or religion or with any of the manifold distinctions that exist among us. The problem with racial distinctions, of course, is that, historically, they are complicated with issues of privilege, superiority, caste. power, and wealth associated therewith. The group shared past personal experiences of deeply felt responses to intermingling among races. Some felt that changes in these choices to stay with one's own group with which one feels comfortable and not to break down separation barriers will have to wait for generations to pass. The rejoinder to that was to ask what responsibility do we of the present generation have to begin the process. If we do not start modifying our own decisions now, why would we expect future generations to change theirs? Would they not be socialized in the same manner as we have been? So, how do we go about making changes and in what should those changes consist?

After much subsequent dialogue we had gone well beyond our time, and we realized that we had not gotten to our second challenge. Once again, all participants are urged to pay attention to any racial differences that they might observe in the way that the news is reported. We will begin with that discussion next time.

The next meeting of the dialogue group will be on Tuesday, September 15. As always, anyone interested in joining the dialogue group is welcome. We meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the First Presbyterian Church Museum. As a reminder, during construction and renovation of the building, all are requested to enter from the 11th Street side of the complex just east of the main church building (in the middle of the block between 1st and 2nd Avenues). The Museum is at the far end of the hall leading from the entrance doorway. I hope to see you there.

H. Berrien Zettler - 706-324-6363

Should you not be involved with this dialogue groups?

Sunday, September 13, 2009 International Festival

The Mayor's Commission on Unity and Diversity plans its International Festival at Peachtree Mall on Sunday, September 13 from 12:00 to 5:00 pm

Showcasing countries from around the world with professional and local cultural entertainers in music, dance, costumes, traditional customs, food, and booths, this is one of those events where Columbus celebrates its heritage

Contact: 706-653-4017