Reflection on Culture in my own Context 6/17/13

In culture class this particular Tuesday we discussed the importance of understanding culture, your culture and others within the context of missionary work. I began thinking about how there seems to be so much more effort and research done when it comes to cultural intelligence. Researchers and scholars from the US sees the importance and the energy that is needed when interacting with other cultures from other countries. However I see a lack of concern and energy when it comes to the understanding the variety of cultures that is within the USA. I find all too much that different cultures that are living in certain parts of the US try so hard to assimilate to the "dominant culture" without the general dominant culture attempting to understand, and live life with those that are different. It seems that the idea of missionary work is only when people from the US goes and helps poor people in need in other parts of the world. However, missionary work can be done anywhere and the same sensitivity should be applied.

I remember reading a missionary book and one of the statements that was made was if you have not been a part of doing missionary work where you live then you should reconsider doing missionary work or ask the question that I have asked myself and others, "Why is it easier to go to other places where the culture and the language is almost the complete opposite of yours and immerse onseself in that culture but when it comes with working within ones larger culture and working within the subcultures of that, there are excuses made? Is a possible answer that  there is a potential fear of feeling guilty and taking on a higher sense of duty? Or it can be not wanting to sacrifice the sense of comfort in their own lives. Imagine having to restructure or changing ones perspective/personal viewpoint about how  they see themselves and the world they live in; it can be scary because with knowledge and building relationships comes expectation and action.

There is such thing as being called to do traditional missions work in another country, and that should be taken very seriously however that does not mean that as Christians living where ever you live are off the hook for being a local missionary. There has been research on people that has a sincere passion for assisting those that lack resources, suffer injustice and oppression. The commonality is that most of these people come from lower middle and working class backgrounds and are mostly African Americans and Hispanic Americans.Now there are some Hispanic Americans and African Americans that are very successful that has no interest with "giving back" or rebuilding the communities that were not as fortunate as them.

WEB DeBois, who was an African American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, graduate from Harvard, author and editor,wrote about the "Talented Tenth" among African Americans. The talented tenth as I remember it, is that "the Best of the Black ethnicity may guide the Mass away from the contamination and death of the Worst, in their own and other races." In class there was also a discussion of collectivist societies, that with progression they begin to take on individualistic characteristics. I see this in the Black community after the 1920's especially once integration took place instead of the "best" pulling up those that were in the worst conditions you saw a divide. A division between the haves and the have not.

I must admit that I suffered and still suffer from wanting be viewed as separate from negative stereotypes. Now it is not that it is a problem from being raised to a way that does not fit with negative stereotypes or other stereotypes that is seen to be attached to the color of my skin. However it becomes a problem when it becomes extreme and manifests itself  as condescending. I realized how bad my attitude was when I listened to white Texans talk about other ethnic groups and my own and realized how ugly and ignorant my thoughts were. The core of my being is not evil however my fear of being undervalued and lumped in with certain groups had me sounding like those that were ignorant and/or racist.

I constantly thank God for having real friends that will point out some of my unsavory characteristic traits. In this context, my friends Masci and Stefanie have pointed out things that I say or do that contradicts with who I should be as a Christian, the heart I have for people, and an example to others. Although I do not say these things in public settings it is the fact that I am saying it.  It is very important to be self aware and I am working on that part of me. I am not as bad as I used to be however there is always room for improvement especially, since I have a passion to work with inner city youth. A part of my effectiveness is based on how I work on myself. 

To close out my reflection on culture I will say that missionary work does not only mean someone that goes to another country into another culture to share Christ and assist in other efforts but it also a duty and responsibility that is shared by the body of Christ to be a missionary where they are currently living and take the time to get to build sincere relationships and understand the culture of those you minister to. Keep it real, be honest with yourself and in result you will be able to be honest with others.