A Thing Straight, Cis-gender White Men Cannot Own Or Legitimately Possess: #civilrights #icon

Question: Guess what I thought of this week which is one thing—maybe THE one thing? (please comment if you have another) -- that black folks in America can have, and I mean absolutely ANY African American, of any age, gender, or spiritual tradition, that absolutely NO straight, cis-gender, white male of any age or spiritual tradition can legitimately have, possess, or claim any kind of authentic ownership of? Ever. No matter what they do. No matter how hard they try. They’re left out. Can’t have one. Beyond their reach. Forever.

Answer: A civil rights hero/martyr. See, because to have one, you must first come from a place of systemic oppression, marginalization or legitimate persecution, dehumanization, and/or demonization about which to be advocated for. Sure, for the believer, there is Jesus Christ, but not so fast. He died for every tribe, nation, and tongue (Rev 7:9), so you can’t claim straight, cis-gender, white American exclusivity. It’s right there in the book. Take it up with the Lord if you have a problem with that truth.

It's not for their lack of trying though. We have been observing those efforts--the removing historic displays in museums, the deletion of historical records from government websites, the abandonment of plans to honor civil rights advocates by putting their likenesses on coin faces. We are also now seeing the installation of TPUSA’s Club America chapters in public high schools, bringing a white-washed biblical views that obscure the truth of the gospel, perhaps in an effort to install its founder as the new American “civil rights” icon—with an eye on replacing MLK Jr and others. All will fail. Ideally, a new administration will be restorative, returning to the people their documented history in truth and transparency. Worst case scenario, oral tradition will take over where all the book banning and suppression of historical records left off. I believe enough of us know that the truth shall set us free. Enough of us love our children enough to teach them of it and encourage them to aim themselves in the trajectory of integrity and truth, and the pursuit of them.

But no one has to feel left out. All are welcome to celebrate the blessings of our diversity and the abundant life that is possible. To share in that joy (Romans 12:15a) rather than fear that the joy and prosperity of others will diminish yours. You can still have joy.