Growing up as an Asian immigrant in London, Ontario, I faced daily reminders that I was different. The playground taunts of “ching chong, ching chong” and the mocking gestures at my eyes were a painful introduction to racial prejudice. The constant question, “What are you?” reduced me to an object, denying my Korean identity and leaving me ashamed of my heritage, wishing to blend into the white majority. This early experience cast a long shadow, shaping my understanding of identity and the insidious nature of bullying.
When I moved to the United States in 2004 for a teaching position, I recognized a different, yet equally pervasive form of racism. From the genocide of Native Americans to the enslavement of African Americans and the exploitation of Asian and Hispanic laborers, the foundation of America is undeniably stained by racial injustice. This history reveals a complex and often contradictory national identity, one that proclaims liberty and equality while simultaneously perpetuating systemic discrimination. Understanding this duality is crucial to grasping the nuances of the “American spirit” and the diverse “colors” that compose it.
Historically, discriminatory policies like the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, initially intended to last a decade but extended until 1942, explicitly barred specific ethnic groups from immigrating to the U.S. These laws were not isolated incidents but rather reflections of a deeper societal prejudice that sought to define and limit who could be considered “American.” Such exclusionary practices directly contradict the ideals of inclusivity and diversity that are often touted as cornerstones of the American spirit.
Religion, a significant force in American society, has played a paradoxical role in racial discourse. While scripture has been twisted to justify slavery and discrimination, it also contains the powerful commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). To move beyond the legacy of racism, we must critically examine how religious narratives have been used and misused, and actively reimagine faith as a force for unity and justice. This reimagining involves embracing a broader understanding of the divine, one that transcends narrow, often racially biased interpretations.
One path towards a more inclusive understanding is to expand our metaphors for God, moving beyond a solely Christ-centered perspective to incorporate the Holy Spirit. The overemphasis on a white, male image of Jesus, prevalent in European Christianity, has inadvertently contributed to racial biases in religious thought. Focusing on the Holy Spirit—as breath, wind, and life-giving power—challenges this limited view. The Spirit, embodying transformation and empowerment, can guide us toward a more welcoming and just faith, one that embraces the full spectrum of human experience and identity.
In the United States, I observed that discussions about racism often default to a black and white paradigm. Experiences of racism faced by people of color who are not Black are frequently dismissed or minimized, a phenomenon particularly common for Asian Americans. The “honorary white” myth, used to invalidate Asian American experiences, exemplifies how limiting the conversation to a binary framework obscures the diverse realities of racism and its impact on all communities of color.
Reducing the discourse on race to black versus white not only diminishes the pain and prejudice experienced by other groups but also hinders the formation of solidarity among all people of color. White privilege thrives when different minority groups are pitted against each other. The “model minority” myth, for instance, falsely suggests that Asian American success is solely due to hard work and implicitly blames other minority groups for not achieving the same level of success. This divisive narrative undermines the collective struggle against systemic racism.
To effectively dismantle racism and foster genuine coalitions, we must broaden the conversation to encompass the experiences of all people of color—Native Americans, Hispanic and Latino communities, Asian Americans, and others. Only through a wider, more inclusive dialogue can we truly address the pervasive nature of racism in America and begin to heal its deep wounds. This expanded discourse is essential for painting a complete and accurate picture of the “American spirit,” acknowledging all its vibrant colors.
Reconnecting with the concept of the Spirit of God offers a powerful way to move beyond these limiting dichotomies. The understanding of “spirit” as a vital life force is present in many cultures and religions, from the Chi in Asian traditions to the deep spiritual understandings in African cultures predating European influence. The Spirit can serve as a bridge, fostering dialogue and common ground across diverse cultures and faiths. By focusing on this shared spiritual understanding, we can create a more inclusive space for discussing social justice issues and ensure that all voices are heard and valued. This inclusive approach is vital to overcoming the damaging effects of racism and building a truly unified “American spirit.”
In contemporary society, racism manifests in xenophobic rhetoric and policies, such as the proposed border wall and discriminatory bans targeting specific religious groups. There is a palpable rise in prejudice and suspicion towards those perceived as different, fueled by a political climate that often seems to condone racist sentiments. This trend directly contradicts the Christian call to welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and love our neighbors unconditionally. Recognizing the Spirit of God in every individual and allowing the Spirit to transform our capacity for love is the only way to truly answer this call and embody the inclusive and compassionate “American spirit” we aspire to create.
This article also appears in the October 2017 issue of U.S. Catholic (Vol. 82, No. 10, pages 25–26).
Image: via Wikimedia Commons
Tags: Racial Justice Spirituality Theology
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