Racism in a Biblical and Theological Perspective-Manifrestations of Racism

As I stated in the first essay, racism takes on many forms.  In some instances, racism manifests itself in blatant and outward manners.  In other instances, it takes on a more subtle character.  The latter is somewhat more dangerous in that it becomes difficult  to identify.  There are conscious and unconscious forms of racism.  Subsequently, there are both intentional and unintentional elements in racism,

One expression which is often used is "counter-racism," or "racism in reverse." This term is used to describe the attitudes of people who are members of ethnic-racial groups that have been discriminated and mistreated on the basis of ethnicity and race.  These people are said to be "racist" against those who have oppressed them.  They might even express hatred against their oppressors, and even do and say things which call for their annihilation.

Since economic, military, social, and political power usually accompanies racism, I find it difficult to believe in the concept of "racism in reverse."  There may be cases, for example, where African Americans and Hispanics may hate Caucasian people for the way they have been brutalized and mistreated.  And there just may be the extreme cases of African American and Hispanic people believing that they are inherently intellectually, morally, and spiritually superior to Caucasian people.  However, since African Americans and Hispanics have not enjoyed the military, social, and political power that accompanies racism, it is almost moot to talk about "counter racism."  So-called "minority groups" do not have the power base from which to enact and implement policies and structures of institutional, systemic, and structural racism.

In either case, what has been said before stands, i.e. that attitudes and actions of racism go totally against the biblical and theological grain of full equality.  The notion of ethnic and racial superiority contradict the notion that all are creatures of God, made in the image and likeness of God, and subsequently entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.

In subsequent essays, I will be dealing with racism in a historical perspective, and then with the ways in which racism has had an impact on human relations world-wide. In the meantime, feel free to comment on this essay, or on the two preceding it. Your input is very valuable.

Grace and peace,

Dr. Juan A. Ayala-Carmna