Good Theology: Ever Ancient, Ever New
Are the freedom protesters racist? And if not, why are we so desperate to say they are?
This video offers an answer to a question. The question is - If the people that I spoke to at the demonstration were not racists, then why are we so keen to claim that they are? My answer draws on some Marxist analysis and suggests two things (1) That our demonization of them helps retain trust in our capitalist society and preserve our capital, and (2) it 'covers up' and justifies the inherent disgust the bourgeoisie have for those without capital.
On the basis of this analysis I then claim that Christians can not continue to despise these people, especially when such despising serves to elevate the social capital of Christians. Instead, following Christ, we are called to love them – this does not mean agree with them – but loving them, and refusing to dehumanize them by supposing them to be racist, is essential to being a faithful follower of Christ at this time.
0:00 Disclaimer
1:10 What I experienced at the weekend
2:22 These people were not racists
2:42 How we hate these people
4:57 Who were the people at the rally
7:52 Why we need to assume that they're racist
18:43 How we are called to be as followers of Christ