Inaugural Benediction January 21, 2009
Posted by danielmorgan17 in Culture.Tags: inauguration, Joseph Lowery, racism
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Perhaps I’m being overly sensitive, but I think, every once in a while, “white” has a right to be a little more sensitive than we’re typically given room to be. I’m referring to this line in Joseph Lowery’s benediction during the presidential inauguration yesterday:
“Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around … when yellow will be mellow … when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right.”
Embrace what is right? That sounds like something that might be said in 1861. It’s as if he’s implying that all whites are still racist, and that the inhuman and hideous treatment of blacks that existed up until 40-50 years ago is still present. Obviously there are radicals here and there that could still qualify as white supremecists, but there are also African Americans here and there who despise whitey and everything about him. This is just another example of how, it seems, whites are scrutinized for anything they say that could even be twisted and exaggerated to make it seem like a race-inspired comment, yet blacks aren’t held accountable for what they say about whites. If that had been a white man yesterday saying something along the same lines about “black,” the media would be quick to condemn him and whatever name he had for himself would quickly become besmirched.
I am a pastor in SC who did not vote for our new President but will be in much prayer for him. I did watch all of the events yesterday because it is a part of our history. I was impressed with all that took place during the entire service until the closing prayer. Pastor Lowery had a chance to pray a prayer of unification, of forgiveness, of sacrifice, of peace or even a prayer of unconditional love but instead this man who says he represents the same God I will preach about this Sunday took the opportunity to be a raciest. I would have been kicked out of the ministry for making such remarks even if I was just kidding.
Rick Warren’s prayer wasn’t any better either… sigh
I never watched the inauguration so I didn’t hear this prayer and still can’t believe he got away with saying all that! Kind of scary that he can just publicly put the white community down like that! But at the end of the day, this thinking just works against the black community and perpetuates their tendency towards self-pity, blame shifting, etc and just shows how backwards those blacks in the spotlight are. Their still living in another age as you said and nothing will ever be enough for them.
Oh, and that last comment was from Susanna:)