Comments on: Racism: Why Whites Have Trouble “Getting It”

By: Louise

Louise — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 03:36:10 +0000

Thanks for this, Brian. Seems to me that being in relationship is a way to build bridges and potentially to understand another person’s experience. While it doesn’t guarantee either outcome, proximity does offer a way to gain insights that, as you point out, cannot be seen from a distance.

By: Brian Dolleman

Brian Dolleman — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 00:23:35 +0000

That’s a good question.

I’m certainly not laying claims to who gets it and who doesn’t.

Honestly, I don’t think Greg Boyd is either – but he is sharing from his own experience and challenging us to get close, to have proximity, to develop relationships. Today I attended the funeral of Che Taylor – he’s a close relative of people who go to NWLife Church. Because I care about the people I’m in relationship with – this family who attends our church – I also care about their experience. Che was shot by Seattle police… and while I don’t know all the facts in the case, I do care about the family – and I share with them in their grief and longing for justice.

I don’t have all the answers. I do agree with Greg’s assessment: “…in the end, I believe it’s going to come down to relationships.” I guess I’m just skeptical of any assessment that comes from a distance, or from an ivory tower.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for adding your voice!

By: Jon

Jon — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 23:21:26 +0000

If I don’t agree with you does that mean I don’t “get it?” I think the biggest hole in this argument is one made by the author. He said there are MANY examples of exceptions to these racist barriers. I think the whole idea that white privilege is to blame for disparities, and therefore white people are responsible for fixing it just maintains the status quo. It takes the power to make change out of the hands of minority groups.