Thursday, May 01, 2008
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Is Rev. Wright Wrong?
Several weeks ago, I was this close to putting forth a blog-defense of Rev. Jeremiah Wright as his "God d___ America!" sermon-sound-bite was being used to pillory Sen. Obama. But with the retired minister's grabbing the microphones this week, I find myself utterly dismayed with him.
You see, originally, I was going to write about how much of White America simply didn't know about or "get" the long and storied tradition of the Black prophetic pulpit (which were the proving ground for the now famous speeches by MLK). That what to untrained, mainly White ears sounded alarmingly like inflammatory, 'un-Christian' rhetoric was actually the unique perspective of those who once had been enslaved and who continued to suffer prejudice and injustice in "the land of the free and the home of the brave." Rev. Wright had suffered innumerable injustices and oppression, growing up pre-CRM in the South and knew first-hand of the national sins that he was exposing. It is far too narrow a definition of patriotism never to criticize our culture or country when called for. And it's far too convenient for those who've never or rarely suffered or been sinned against by the darker aspects of America to rear back in horror upon hearing such accusations. In fact, I still am chewing on the question of why I, as a nonWhite preacher, am not EVER angry at things like corporate greed and systemic injustice, even if I don't have first hand experience with it.
I listened to Sen. Obama's Philadelphia response and was among the many who were very moved with his measured and gracious response to criticism of his former pastor and spiritual mentor and his eloquent and thoughtful treatment of the ongoing issues attached to race in America. Like many, I was more than ready to move on.
Apparently, Rev. Wright wasn't. This week he was back in the headlines, making fresh outrageous statements in support of Nation of Islam leader Farrakhan and again, raising the spector of AIDS being a plot of the federal government aimed at unsuspecting Blacks (like the horrible Tuskegee Experiment, whereby over 400 Black men with syphilis were not treated in order to see firsthand the consequences of this venereal disease). Whatever his motives, Wright came across as egotistically defending himself, as if he felt like Obama had thrown him under the proverbial bus in order to distance himself politically from his former pastor. Wright could have (should have) waited until after the presidential election had been decided to say such things (which is his right) if he TRULY believed what he has preached for decades: that it's critical for this country's future to diversify the places of power with capable people of color. I don't blame Obama for dropping Wright altogether this week; he didn't really have any choice. But I got the distinct impression that Rev. Wright barely noticed. He seemed to be enjoying his 15 minutes of fame too much. I'm smelling a bigger advance for a book deal if he can prove he can grab the spotlights and the headlines.
If you ever catch me doing that kind of ego-feeding garbage, do me a huge favor and please slap me upside my big fat head.
Peace,pken.
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Comments (15)
Very well said. While I dont' follow American politics that much, this story is one that bothered me quite a bit. I admit I tend to usually dismiss what politicians say about anything as insincere vote-garnering, but I did happen to hear Obama's speech about the incident. I actually found it to be insightful and sincere, as well as appropriately critical of the Reverend, even though I did sense a bit of political distancing on the Senator's part so as not to tarnish his image. But in the light of the Reverend's behaviour, I couldn't blame him at all, and I would have done the same, though probably not quite as eloquently at all.
I didn't know about the Reverend's further retorts to this... and clearly, he's just dug his own PR grave, famous for 15 minutes or not. Good on Sen Obama for ditching this guy so gracefully, and with good reason, really.
Good post.
we'll see how history remembers this election. first black president? first woman president? how a party with a 30% approval rating can win?
There were two things that Rev. Wright got wrong, his ego and Aids comment. Other than that he got everything else right.
p
Excellent!
This is the kind of response that I expect of someone who labels himself "Christian". (adds blog to be regularly read)
we need passion for what is the truth. unfortunately 1/2 of truth is negative, 1/2 is positive. and, you are right, we all need a "slap" when we embelish the truth with inflated ideas or egos of our own...or just hear, believe, or know a lop-sided version of the truth. a lot of me is doesn't want to be poor in spirit. dang, i get lazy in seeking other versions of the truth. how can we be perpetually 'seeking' with humble integrity???
As I listened to him I detected what I thought was some humor in him. I guess I'm just to darned dense to pick up what he was really saying. Then again I fell asleep while watching the news.
btw this new format makes one with smaller resolution have to scroll miles to read. Too much border stuff.
There is a double standard in the media's coverage of this as Frank Rich of the NY Times pointed out today in his column.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/opinion/04rich.html?ref=opinion
Excellent op-ed piece, Joeon_Illin! 'preciate the cross-reference!
hmm, he's said that he'd appreciate the VP post, but how many people would actually support that ticket?
HI PK,
the goth vibe is a bit 'interesting'.
I think it's good to have people who stir up the pot sometimes, even if many are only speaking half truths. It forces us to seek the truth if we are so inclined. But, the majority just write them off as a crackpot. Corporate greed and system injustice has been a huge part of our culture but it is only recently that we have come to realize it. Unfortunately, many of us are just sheep following the herd and trying to survive each day; put gas in the tank, hold our jobs, put food on the table, and hope we can support ourselves when we retire. 'Uncomfortable' is not a happy place for us to be in.
As you know, Ken, we are in synch. I was born in Chicago, and lived there through the late sixties as a student; the assassination of MLK, the riots, the assassination of Bobby K and the Democratic convention... these, along with the legacy of Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam all gave birth to Black Liberation theology. There are powerful currents that remain strong forty years later. Clearly, though, Wright seems willing to undercut the momentum Obama has built. Looks like he will end-up as a footnote rather than a spokesman. Have you heard about Michael Dyson? He's written a powerful new book on 1968 and King's legacy.
Thanks for your courage and insight, good friend. Ken Kemp, Placentia, CA
@kempster621 - thanks, Ken. Like you, I haven't been willing to characterize Wright as some hate-spewing Black radical. I still don't believe that's a correct and historic understanding of this pastor and his theology. I have a hard time believing that this obviously intelligent and learned man of God can't see how the forces in this country that shudder at the thought of a Black president with a non-Judeo/Christian name are using him for their purposes. Thanks for helping me to believe that there are White American Evangelicals who choose to see beyond the sensational headlines in order to understand the historic roots of anger and pain. You're a good man, Ken.
B"H
Hey Pastor Ken,
A very balanced post, IMHO. I know you are busy, but it would be good to have you join some of the current conversations on race over at Ed Gilbreath's blog site. You bring a unique perspective to the table which I think would benefit us all.
Blessings,
Shlomo