Masking Realities (A Reflection about the Politics of Respectability)

Today let me speak on both political realities and dictating cultures. There is a delicate issue about one trying to fit in to be able to deal with human standards, for recognition’s sake and most especially to “earn respect”. One needs to sneak into a false identity and live a life away from what you have dreamt about since day one.

How do we (Christians) view these circumstances? Issues of silent inclusion makes the difference. Yes, gender and race have been contested and society emerges to achieve equality before the law. But again, how do we see our actions through the small scales we have undertaken? Let us be reminded of these small steps that give major contribution to make living one’s life really matter.

As generally defined, Respectability Politics or the politics of respectability refers to attempts by marginalized groups to police their own members and show their social values as being continuous, and compatible with mainstream values rather than challenging the mainstream society and its failure to accept diversity.

Let us talk about these current realities and unmask them!

• On the Politics of Respectability. At its worst, one has to discard an identity to fit in. In our situation where there is an influx of multiculturalism, do we still really need to live in falsehood to achieve success? We have been dealing with social justice, but we need to consider the issue on human emotions, about one’s dignity being covered just to conform to the standards of society. Let us appreciate a political spectrum of diversity yet talking about oneness and unity.
• Preserving one’s dignity. It all boils down to knowing one’s dignity. If we think one has none, it only means we don’t achieve justice. We may vary in our choices and be different in dealing with many things, but let us preserve a life with dignity. Political interest is successful when we talk about everybody’s welfare. For a long time, Dura Lex Sed Lex gives me the idea not to care for anyone else. So with respect. But a change of perspective shifted my views. Dignity is important through laws and reformations.
• Living lives unmasked. Let us give a real freedom for everyone. More than a group identity and for the sake of belongingness, let us give everyone a choice. One can always be someone out of conformity. One can always choose one’s music according to one’s taste, even amidst who or what is trending in the top playlists.

In today’s context, how do we engage in the society we are placed in? And on these small steps, do we really share comfort? Here are some radical questions. Have we ever considered giving tampons for homeless women who don’t have access to it? Have we tried offering our car seats to someone who is in a hurry? Did we try sharing a meal to a child who has been repeatedly bullied? When did we give leeway for our child’s choice and tell him/her they know what is best for themselves?  Did we insist what our culture says for preservation’s sake? Have we been inclusive in our public conversations? Did we put ourselves in confidence of walking down the pathways where homeless people tread?

Let us vibrantly share realities unmasked!

--------------

Kevin John A. Maddela
EYA Intern 2017
National Religious Partnership for the Environment
Blog #4