All the Same
What do native and Hispanic
Americans and southern rednecks have in common? Each of these ethnic groups is considered
others. Probably the most famous other in history has been the Jews, and
for that distinction they have suffered greatly. Yet, all of the above ethnic groups similarly
have endured discrimination at the hands of the majority. Even today these
ethnic groups – and the many that are like them—are portrayed in largely
negative terms. Typically they are seen as uneducated, prone to laziness,
drinking and fighting.
As someone who identifies in part as a southern redneck, I
see how we are viewed in much of contemporary society. All that one needs to do
is look at pictures on Google or some other search engine, and you will see
people identified as rednecks, or hillbillies with teeth missing, long beards,
old clothes, and so on. Rednecks are shown as rebellious, somewhat racist
Southerners who love racing cars, making moonshine and fear outsiders. Even though positive aspects like the ability
to do manual labor, family closeness and a strong religious faith are often
noted, these images too often lock this group into stereotypes that limit
opportunities creating a double-bind.
On the one hand, if they fail to be proficient in those
stereotypes, then they are viewed as a poseur and not a true redneck, even though
they have may dress and look the part and live in the rural south. On the other hand, if they are seen as
matching these characteristics then the opposite is true. Though they are
recognized as a true redneck, they could never be viewed as anything else, such
as an intellectual, a company boss or a business manager. In short, rednecks
are defined by others as those who work manually and live in the country, and
are other. This experience seems largely the same with
the
Recently Saint Patrick’s Day was celebrated. For most people,
it was a time of frivolity to celebrate Irish traditions. Yet about 100 years
ago, Irish immigrants were treated contemptuously. They were portrayed as
drunk, lazy people who were prone to fight—views that remain in place today. Many had to live in the slums and work in jobs
that others would did not want to do. The ridicule that they witnessed then has
manifested itself in the views that many have of Rednecks and Hispanics.
There has been much strife recently about racial tensions in
this country. I am not disputing that. Often left out are discussions about the
prejudice of ethnicity. Thankfully we do
see much violence perpetuated toward those of a different ethnic class, for
largely these are vestiges of the past. Nonetheless these stereotypes remain,
for they are entrenched with our collective psyche. The problem of prejudice is
not only geared towards of another race, it also manifests itself as animosity
towards those who look, act, and dress differently, especially if these are due
to cultural distinctions.
The world is full of categories. It is easy to put people
into a certain group that we feel defines them. All of us do it, yet each of
us, to one degree or another resist those identifications ourselves. Most
people have multiple dimensions to their personality. They may be very
studious, and fit into a “nerd” stereotype, while also enjoying music and
sports—two activities that are not identified with that subgroup. Or, someone
may dress like a biker, with long scraggly hair, and multiple tattoos—a persona
of toughness, while at the same time, enjoying reading or other quiet
activities.
Racial differences are the easiest to recognize. Ethic,
cultural or personality differences are much harder. These are the ones, that
seem persist in defining our categories. Yet we need to resist. The world needs
to recognize and appreciate more fully the non-racial differences that exist
between people.
The Imago Dei!
Usually this phrase is used by Christians to imply that all are made in God’s
image, somehow though it seems as if it is largely confined to racial or sexist
stereotypes. Yet, for it to be true, it must include the ethnic and cultural
stereotypes.
Jesus does not fit into such a stereotype. He has been
labeled as a pacificist, a socialist, a militant, a learned teacher—or
Rabbi—and one of the regular unsophisticated commoners, for while he interacted
with women and children, he could also go toe-to-toe with the religious
scholars of this day.
First impressions usually fail. People are more than their
ethnic group or personality. It is easy to categorize people. But to live in
peace, we need to strive to see the person beyond—the one who is not other, but connected, for all are the
same.
