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For awhile, I was tempted to think that recent events have caused a "mask off" moment in the Church... And perhaps that's true, to an extent. Especially on social media.
For me, though, what's becoming clear is that I was *incredibly* naïve about racism within White Catholicism.
For me, though, what's becoming clear is that I was *incredibly* naïve about racism within White Catholicism.
I'm often the only Black face in a given space, Catholic or otherwise. You kind of just get used to it. And—probably as a coping mechanism—you start to function as if your White peers are mostly harmless. "Colorblind".
Until the next video-recorded lynching and protest movement.
Until the next video-recorded lynching and protest movement.
Certain people could be expected to provide "White backlash", even within the Church. EWTN is the latest, today cancelling a popular radio show for talking too much about racism.
But many other, far less obvious suspects are the ones that have really thrown me for a loop.
But many other, far less obvious suspects are the ones that have really thrown me for a loop.
Granted, being raised by a parent with BPD, I was often taught to see people as black-or-white—totally good or totally evil. So I may be uniquely uncritical of people until it's too late.
But seeing trusted figures suddenly show themselves to be hostile is difficult regardless.
But seeing trusted figures suddenly show themselves to be hostile is difficult regardless.
Microagressions. Dog whistles. "Above it all" platitudes. Total ignorance. Open hostility. Especially here on Catholic Twitter, from names I never thought to question before.
Worse still, many are content with business as usual—compete with radio silence on racism.
Worse still, many are content with business as usual—compete with radio silence on racism.
I unfollowed over 1,000 people this week—many because of this very issue.
At some level, I have no choice but to minimize (and minimize contact with) those who are not truly allies on difficult issues that transcend feel-good Bible verses and hippie notions of "love" or "unity".
At some level, I have no choice but to minimize (and minimize contact with) those who are not truly allies on difficult issues that transcend feel-good Bible verses and hippie notions of "love" or "unity".
It's sobering. I used to feel like I *owed* these people my allegiance. But no.
In the end, it's good to be reminded every now and again that the world is not my home. That's not a race thing.
But BOY, is it all the more obvious to me as a Black Catholic in times like this.
In the end, it's good to be reminded every now and again that the world is not my home. That's not a race thing.
But BOY, is it all the more obvious to me as a Black Catholic in times like this.
