A little over a week ago in Bemidji, a mother of biracial children walked out her front door to see an eight foot high burning cross in her yard. Instantly polarizing and garnering widespread media coverage, the local police force were forced to address this as a hate crime (they went on record as saying that this was more than likely teenagers who don't understand the deep implications of something like this). This is Northern Minnesota after all, not deep south clansmen country...how could someone do something to disturbing and hateful?
The masses who need "in your face moments" like these to jolt them from their daily lives are deeply unsettled to say the least. Others pass it off quickly, believing it's just an overblown prank. I have had a few people locally and beyond Bemidji ask me my perspective and I think it's about time I gave it in written word. About this act, I think that it's a terrible, hateful, and horribly misguided act. To invoke images of cloaked bigots who not only burn the most recognizable symbol, but degrade entire races to subhuman ranks is something that will have a ripple effect forever. How does a family sleep soundly knowing someone who knows where they live isn't just racist, but could take it this far? What would stop them from throwing bricks through their windows or burning their house down as they slept? Is it really that far fetched?
The part that I have gotten a little flack for already is that I am not shocked that this happened. Don't hear me incorrectly. I am outraged, disgusted, and saddened by this eventt To assume that I might be immune to these feelings or calloused, simply because I don't act surprised is false. "After all, Matt...I thought that YOU, more than most people would be upset by what was done...being that you do what you do and all..." Sidenote: Even though I always take that question as a compliment, I have never found an appropriate response to convey my disgust with that genuine, but poorly thought out question. Choosing to work or serve the way I do isn't about having a rare genetic heart condition that lets me love unlovable people or wear special glasses that open my eyes to the daily problems of others. It's a daily choice to see others not just as a fellow human being in my community, but as family...as someone on my level who has just as much to share and teach me about life and love. Once your heart is wide open, the blinders and stipulations have to go away or it isn't love.
So...away from the sidebar moment and back to what brought me out of my blog hiatus. The burning cross. Hate. I went on Bemidji craigslist's rants/raves section to see what the anonymous ranters were saying about it, since they are never one to hold back. Although there was a lot of banter about their assorted viewpoints on the welfare system and those they saw in the community who were abusing EBT, not one mentioned the burning cross. I expected to see some outrage at best or even some support of it at worst, but nothing. Know what I DID find though?
hangouts lgbtq (any place)
Date: 2012-05-17, 7:25PM CDT
Reply to: wsnsh-3022133843@pers.craigslist.org
Just want to know if there is a place where lgbtq peple can hang.
A fair question, right? For those who don't know, LGBTQ is the acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, and Queer. It's not a secret homosexual underground codeword for perverse parties. It's a simple way for the marginalized to find community. Here was the only response...and one of the (many) reasons why burning crosses are not at the top of my disgust list.
Re: hangouts lgbtq (any place)
Date: 2012-05-18, 4:33PM CDT
Reply to: tvggw-3023907072@pers.craigslist.org
Ideally they could hang from the trees within the State Park, but the rafters of BSU would probably be strong enough too.
Seriously?!!? Sure, this is an anonymous response to an anonymous question, but man...hateful.
So, it got me thinking. How do we begin to make a change for the better? We can't just punish the isolated incidents. Social justice work and tolerance education in the school systems isn't cutting it either. Years ago, I adopted "Be the change you want to see in the world" as one of my life quotes...and even THAT doesn't solve much. Want to know what jumped out at me when I begged for some insight? We all burn crosses, daily. Before you dismiss this thought, stick with me for a few minutes.
Our local Wal Mart is one of the highest selling stores within their organization. Bemidji, Minnesota! Is that because we are a booming metropolis? Nope. Maybe because there are not other shopping options nearby? No, again. Perhaps it's because cash-strapped people within a hundred mile radius are funneled into the biggest of big box stores to make their money (including EBT) stretch the furthest. It should be noted that included in that hundred mile circle are the three largest American Indian Reservations in the state, even though their dollars help bring in much-needed revenue. I hear more people complain about "all the Indians in there" and I see even their most minimal purchases being checked at the door by staff, while I can roll through with a wave and a "have a nice day". That's a burning cross moment. I can't let that fly. I vow to no longer allow myself to walk through unchecked and when I have my bags checked, I will voice who I typically see them stop and ask if they know what profiling is.
Burning crosses can be subtle, uncomfortable words or actions. You know it's wrong and that "something" should be said or done, but you know that if you wait a few seconds the moment will pass and you can move on. We can walk away from that friend who just lumped all of a people group into one "lazy" designation. Any time we hear the words "those people" being mentioned, we can stay silent or even nod and change the subject. Our circles can continue to be influenced more by our comfort level and maintain (with some exceptions perhaps) an acceptable minimum level of diversity in color, sexual orientation, religion, or economic standing. It's all easier. Call it Minnesota Nice. Blame it on your Scandinavian roots. Some of us can even bring Jesus into it, as if a follower of Christ should actually keep their mouth shut when they see injustice! I am not immune. I voice words I shouldn't. I slight my brothers and sisters or avoid them entirely.
My community. My friends. My family. Let's open our eyes to these things. Stop feeling guilty that these things happen. Don't use isolated incidents as coffee conversations, where the emotion fades as quickly as the cup cools. The next hot topic thing will surely come and distract you just before you ever did anything about the last one. Let's train ourselves and each other to do something. Anything. Always in love, but in the moment and with an objective perspective that comes with honest reflection.
