tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.comments2013-10-02T10:13:01.962-04:00Evidence of Imperfections.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04186148629605632700noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-26394774204018268382013-10-02T10:13:01.962-04:002013-10-02T10:13:01.962-04:00I can so relate! Thanks for sharing this with us, ...I can so relate! Thanks for sharing this with us, Rachel. <br /><br />Here's a post I wrote awhile back that you might like: http://www.rabbitroom.com/2013/09/s-y-l-o-m/Janna Barberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15560224767764101415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-39292162841044459732013-09-14T23:29:11.570-04:002013-09-14T23:29:11.570-04:00Hi Rachel,
It's been a long time since I'...Hi Rachel,<br /><br />It's been a long time since I've been here. Your Facebook link lured me back.<br /><br />I love reexamining things we accepted as normal in childhood, especially now that I have a few of my own. What was the song "row, row, row your boat" all about anyway?<br /><br />I like your analysis here of Alice's ethnocentrism--it's clever. I understand Lewis Carroll was quite an odd bird himself.<br /><br />I would emphasize that Alice's faux pas stemmed from two sources (three if we want to be super spiritual):<br /><br /><br />0. She was a human/sinner.<br /><br />1. She was a child. Children generally lack the mature ability to suspend/transcend personal judgments. Her behavior was contemptible, but consistent with immaturity. Not every child is a Dakota Fanning...<br /><br />2. She was disoriented. Though she could have done more to learn about her new context, there was nothing in her previous experience that could have prepared her to navigate this new world with any sort of finesse. Likewise, with her hosts and host culture. They may have tried to acclimate her, but they did not fare much better. The situation is similar to how a drowning person often accidentally drowns the unprepared rescuer. <br /><br />We have our foil in Alice's immaturity. Maturity, true maturity, has the stability to acknowledge personal views and the wisdom to pursue knowledge beyond those views.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-63423923472010548012013-07-17T15:00:44.354-04:002013-07-17T15:00:44.354-04:00Oh, and Katie, a bit more of my own personal proce...Oh, and Katie, a bit more of my own personal process is in the blog preceding this one, although it's more of my current process and less of a historical one.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04186148629605632700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-81079334511202861892013-07-17T14:57:45.603-04:002013-07-17T14:57:45.603-04:00Katie, I think there is hope or I wouldn't be ...Katie, I think there is hope or I wouldn't be working in a cross-cultural situation myself! I think what the authors allude to at the very end (and what they expand on in the rest of the text) is that we must acknowledge our biases so that they do not effect the situation as much as it could if they went unnoticed. This is a very common approach in therapy. For example, if I know that I have a problem with a certain type of client, I am able to "control" myself a bit better when that type of client walks into the room. I can notice my emotions and reactions, then set them "aside" as best as possible. If I were unaware of them, I would simply act in ways that were congruent with my biases instead of being able to "think around them" so to speak. I think this is the closest thing to an "answer" that I have come up with yet (and I ultimately think this issue is too complex to have a simple answer, just like there are no simple answers to questions of theodicy or how the Trinity works exactly). There are many sociological studies that examine the inherent biases that we have toward certain minority groups, and that these affect our behaviors regardless of our intentions. So sadly, yes - I believe that we are all racist, just as I believe that we are all sinful. This is reality, but it doesn't preclude hope, just like the presence of pervasive sin in every human heart does not preclude hope. It's all about being aware of potential ruptures in order that they may be repaired instead of just left as open, gaping wounds.<br /><br />Julia, thanks for your honesty. I'm so glad that you are at a point where you are able to acknowledge these painful things in your heart. It's true of all of us, and by acknowledging it and moving into grace and forgiveness for it, the process of redemption has already begun! Thanks for being so vulnerable.<br /><br />And Jana, I'm right there with you. I think it is most painful to me when people just "don't get it." That type of racism is often much more difficult to address than more blatant kinds, because it remains outside of the person's own awareness. For the record, I think what you said made perfect sense.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04186148629605632700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-88679006965978934162013-07-17T13:57:56.890-04:002013-07-17T13:57:56.890-04:00Also, I totally disagree with the idea of "no...Also, I totally disagree with the idea of "not seeing color". I mean, our brains categorize data constantly.In describing a person's appearance all sorts of accurate descriptions can be used: tall, smiling, brunette, young, walks with a cane, has light skin, freckles, blue eyes, etc. To try to be "colorblind" is not only illogical & impossible, but it also robs both parties of ownership of their own identifying traits and any cultural details that race MAY bear upon them. However, it is when we assume the color of someone's skin impresses upon them certain curtural or socio-economic characteristics that we are in error. For in fact, it is quite possible--and fairly common in my experience--that given a particular setting a person's race is nothing more than one of many identifying adjectives. For example, when I lived in Spain & Morocco for 3 months, many people saw my skin and assumed I could speak French. When they realized I couldn't, they assumked I was British and would begin commenting about the British pound v. EU currency debate. When I would speak, however, they knew I was from the States.....and then they would laugh saying, "Have you even been to France?" This is a light hearted example. There are plenty more negative ones, but I don't think anyone needs to look outside his/her own experiences to see them.k.kingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-32238484550387145722013-07-17T13:35:04.086-04:002013-07-17T13:35:04.086-04:00Rachel, I would love to read your own "White ...Rachel, I would love to read your own "White Identity". I like what you have gathered & shared, but from only reading excerpts it seems paradoxical. If a white professional admits his/her racism to his/her client, I see a definite wall built by both parties.Yet, according to the excerpts, if a white professional has truly arrived at a place where he/she is not racist & confesses that, then he/she is accused of being self deceived. Is there hope offered or just a perspective of negativity?k.kingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-62634573704488334542013-07-17T10:32:48.777-04:002013-07-17T10:32:48.777-04:00I was on a trip with extended family soon after th...I was on a trip with extended family soon after the Paula Deen rumors started and found myself in the middle of a conversation with my mother and sister about the 'n' word. Mom said there was a time when it was not used in a mean way, just another way of identifying who you were talking about. I asked, who determines if something is offensive, the one who says it or the one who hears it? I told them that noone was listening to what black people thought back then, so of course white people thought it was okay to use that word. Both of them disagreed with me and told me what I was saying didn't make any sense at all.<br />I think the thoughts you have posted here are spot on. Thanks for sharing.Janna Barberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15560224767764101415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-64910199522706121842013-07-14T21:02:00.192-04:002013-07-14T21:02:00.192-04:00Rachel, I praise God for this post. Please know t...Rachel, I praise God for this post. Please know that now is the time to begin to speak what the Lord gives to you as you did here. The most we can do is the least we should do. Your voice will be heard and will make a difference. We must speak out until the day comes when the life of a person of color is as valuable as mine or yours...and the truth is that time is not here and was not in Florida.Ferrellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-44052482890053945042013-01-28T19:51:31.559-05:002013-01-28T19:51:31.559-05:00Ah, yes. Such a blissfully happy day. Until they l...Ah, yes. Such a blissfully happy day. Until they lost. And yes, I went with Amy. Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04186148629605632700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-25062466194733472062013-01-28T19:50:41.730-05:002013-01-28T19:50:41.730-05:00Oh no!!! I thought I'd gotten better. Sigh.Oh no!!! I thought I'd gotten better. Sigh. Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04186148629605632700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-3272271840640881202013-01-28T19:50:01.228-05:002013-01-28T19:50:01.228-05:00This was long before my dear Lupin entered my life...This was long before my dear Lupin entered my life. I just had cats at this point. :-)Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04186148629605632700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-43126705154790557482013-01-28T19:43:47.449-05:002013-01-28T19:43:47.449-05:00See how much people like you!? Didn't you say ...See how much people like you!? Didn't you say the Giants lost this game? And who did you end up going with? Amy, right? Or was it your cousin?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-31604205056564031942013-01-28T19:41:00.305-05:002013-01-28T19:41:00.305-05:00Wow. That's horrible. Definitely the stuff nig...Wow. That's horrible. Definitely the stuff nightmares are made of. You DO have Lupin! Not exactly a Pit-Bull...but Goblins are pretty good protectors, right??Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-42640626350684141442013-01-28T19:35:46.665-05:002013-01-28T19:35:46.665-05:00HA! I noticed that! I didn't know if you were ...HA! I noticed that! I didn't know if you were talking to me or talking to yourself. I guess now I know! LOL!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-46693527714647401032013-01-28T19:35:22.539-05:002013-01-28T19:35:22.539-05:00Ha ha You're right about that last part! :-) T...Ha ha You're right about that last part! :-) Thank you.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04186148629605632700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-86357191641987697532013-01-28T19:27:54.961-05:002013-01-28T19:27:54.961-05:00"I only hope that if God leads me into marria..."I only hope that if God leads me into marriage one day, that my and my husband's relationship will inspire others to seek God more deeply and intimately, as Dave and Laura inspire everyone around them."<br /><br />I think you serve as an inspiration enough on your own, and WHEN you have a Christian marriage, the inspiration you carry will have even greater power as a union of two. That is if you can resist bad boys, lol. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-90289305093773494672013-01-28T19:19:35.018-05:002013-01-28T19:19:35.018-05:00I hope Hillbilly is better now and found purpose b...I hope Hillbilly is better now and found purpose beyond a bottle. <br /><br />I'm always looking for resources to potentially teach, so I'll take a look at A Long Walk to Freedom. Even if it is just a couple of chapters that I pull out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-27399623802900875322013-01-28T18:52:55.734-05:002013-01-28T18:52:55.734-05:00You're welcome. :0)You're welcome. :0)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-31208965642457158322013-01-28T16:51:26.929-05:002013-01-28T16:51:26.929-05:00Ha ha Thanks.Ha ha Thanks.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04186148629605632700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-26343823047664861352013-01-28T16:44:56.209-05:002013-01-28T16:44:56.209-05:00I'm reading. :0)I'm reading. :0)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-45248897399446036282012-12-17T18:48:53.335-05:002012-12-17T18:48:53.335-05:00Ah, yes. I'm up north. And yet, there is still...Ah, yes. I'm up north. And yet, there is still no snow...Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04186148629605632700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-52896071159226608832012-12-11T10:42:30.200-05:002012-12-11T10:42:30.200-05:00And now you're up north..and you get to see th...And now you're up north..and you get to see the snow for yourself.<br /><br />I loved this blog entry.Aidoonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-7558864398752464332012-06-30T07:51:19.594-04:002012-06-30T07:51:19.594-04:00Happy Birthday, Rachel!
I got married so young a...Happy Birthday, Rachel! <br /><br />I got married so young and had kids so quickly that I felt the same way when I hit 30 -- no more milestones to reach. However, that's never true, there is still growth and progress to be made in every decade. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by your thirties, and I hope you have a terrific birthday and are celebrated well. <br /><br />You are a treasure! We're going to miss you a bunch, but I can't wait to see what God has waiting for you in Chicago.<br /><br />Hope you'll keep blogging so I can keep in touch!Janna Barberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15560224767764101415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-71678627101667266602012-04-24T11:40:26.614-04:002012-04-24T11:40:26.614-04:00This is awesome .. hahah.. read it as a distractio...This is awesome .. hahah.. read it as a distraction in the middle of taking psychodynamic final.. love youJennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13276620540686987292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466556714257807420.post-32383533548014035162012-04-23T09:44:31.501-04:002012-04-23T09:44:31.501-04:00ha ha Thanks, Janna! Sorry I made you cry twice. :...ha ha Thanks, Janna! Sorry I made you cry twice. :-)Rachel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10216489156509914031noreply@blogger.com