Ken Wytsma is the son of immigrants to the U.S., but he is a white American, with all the privilege that brings. In grappling with the meaning and implications of that privilege, Wytsma has expounded on race relations in America in The Myth of Equality: Uncovering the Roots of Injustice and Privilege. He makes some astute observations and gives some important historical foundations for his perspective, but ends up in the familiar position of white guilt.
First of all, as he writes about race, Wytsma brings some clarification and definition to the topic. These points aren't necessarily original with him, but are worth repeating. In response to people who talk about reverse racism, or racism against white people, Wytsma writes, "Racism is the diminishment of worth in men and women in and through bias, systems, and power structures that disadvantage them in tangible ways based on skin color." Since white people have not been systematically discriminated against in the U.S., prejudice against whites isn't, by this definition, racism.
A more important point is that, historically, racism as we experience it today is a relatively modern concept. Wytsma joins the school of thought that ties it to colonialism. "In order to justify colonialism, an idea like white supremacy was needed. The concept that whites were chosen by God and superior to people of color, who were less intelligent, less deserving, and savage, was born out of this need." Whether or not you agree with Wytsma's definitions and explanations, it's important to understand that many thinkers and activists hold these views as central to their perspective on race.
White Christians (or anyone else, for that matter) are on shaky ground if they try to defend racism. Sure, there are examples of it, but they are few and far between today, especially as compared to notable examples in the antebellum South. It's worth considering the role race plays in the positions and status you hold. One need not be a racist to benefit from long-held societal beliefs and structures that give an advantage to white people.
That said, I felt like Wytsma wanted me to feel guilty for being white. He wants me to go ahead and admit that I am a racist. I just don't buy it. I owe my neighbors and fellow citizens a great deal: common courtesy, respect, kindness, even brotherly love. I don't owe that because I'm white and they are black. I own them because I want to do unto others as I would have them do unto me. As Wytsma points out, "the golden rule demands action" while "the silver rule allows for passivity: do not do to others." This often means that we must "intervene in injustice." It demands generosity and demands that we pursue reconciliation.
Wytsma provides some strong biblical teaching on justice and living right, such as the above distinction between the golden rule and the "silver rule." But in his white guilt, I felt like he too extensively and unquestioningly embraces racial movements of the left. From the perspective of white guilt, black justice movements must be embraced wholly, overlooking ideological, financial, theological foundations that are counter to American values. (Yes, in a sense American values are synonymous with white values, because minorities were not part of the intellectual, educated, powerful class at the time of the founding. But I still believe values can be evaluated on their merits, without regard to the color of the skin of the writer, speaker, scholar, or artist.) White people need to be OK critiqeuing movements on their intellectual conclusions, not on the race of the proponents, without then receiving accusations of racism.
The Myth of Equality is a good resource. Christians of any race will appreciate Wytsma's laying out the issues of race and the thoughts and resources he provides. But I can't buy his presumption of white guilt and pass he gives to leftist racial political movements. Take his positions with a grain of salt.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
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