Ashley - Post #1 - June 21, 2020

When I first wrote this blog post, I sat down intending to introduce myself to all of you and discuss a bit about the journey of how I became one of your Ethnic Young Adult interns. However, as I attempted to write, I found myself stalled and at a loss for words. The truth is - speaking about myself seems unimportant and egotistical. This platform is providing me with the opportunity to have a space where I can speak about what is important during this time and I intend to take every advantage of that.

We, as people of God, understand that we exist within a larger community of all people. We understand that all people are equal within the eyes of God and we find comfort knowing that we are surrounded by Godly love and acceptance. Existing in tandem with God, creates many large and vaguely descriptive ideas of ‘justice’ and ‘equality’.  We actualize these large ideas within smaller social communities. It is within these human-made communities that oppression and prejudice are imposed upon minority groups - those who are visibly different from colonialists. 

We must remember that the institutions and structures which create the building blocks of our society - such as the government - are all human-made creations. 

The rules of government are not set in stone. They were not placed upon us by God. The Lord never told the Israelites how to set up their government, She instead instructed us on how to be morally good and loving. Our rules and institutions can change to serve us. 

The government is only people within buildings and their decisions affect millions of people. 

The United States is struggling right now. Although we, as Americans, may pride ourselves with unity - of fifty states coming together to form one nation - it is impossible to ignore the reality of deepening social cleavages which threatens the functionality and sustainability of our country. 

Some background information is required in order for you, reader, to fully understand why I will be  drawing a comparison between Canada and the United States for the rest of this blog post. I grew up in a small town outside of Boston in a loving and Godly household; both my parents are UMC pastors. When I turned 18, I decided to move to Canada for University and have currently been living in Toronto for three years. As both Canada and the United States are Western countries, a comparison between the two reveals the systematic and lawful reasonings behind why it is so difficult for social justice to be achieved in the United States.

 In Canada, ‘social welfare’ is widely accepted as both a responsibility and expectation of the government to provide. For Canadians, it is the government’s job to take care of its citizens; which may explain a portion of why social programs, such as universal healthcare are fundamental to Canadian society. Canadians expect their government to provide security, protection, and the fundamental ideal of promising to be a “good government”. The extent of this belief also extends to the Canadian constitution, as Canadians believe that the constitution should evolve and strengthen with the times. The constitution is considered to be a “living, breathing document.” 

The United States, in contrast, was built upon a ‘negative’ constitution. It is a unique constitution which limits the government and excludes it from interfering within individual lives. This was created with the intended purpose to prevent governmental overreach. Personally, I can understand this for issues such as sexuality and marriage. The government does not have a right to tell us whom we may or may not love and spend our lives with; especially if the issue is same-sex marriage. However, this notion has grown past the understanding that the government cannot dictate HOW we are individuals into a powerful fear of the government. 

Americans reject any involvement with the government and instead rely on their local communities to dictate social values. However, America is not a small local community. America is one united country that must come together under common law. We, as Americans, can learn from Canadian culture and expect our government to truly serve us. 

As we observe the Black Lives Matter movement, we can see a group of people in America who are not fundamentally protected by the institution built by humans to protect them. It is both possible and correct to expect our government to take care of every single citizen, no matter what; regardless of the economic burden that places on the government. The government is there for us. Make it serve us. 

It is important to note that I do not believe Americans should become Canadians and that American society is wrong. Instead, I say that because Americans are afraid of their own government that social justice has been difficult to achieve in America. Rejecting your government creates an environment which makes it difficult for minority groups to be heard. Most Americans can live their lives with minimal interference from the government. Yet minority groups - and specifically the black community - rely on the government to provide them with basic rights, protections, and respect. 

It is the expectation of white people expect the government to stay away and, as white people make up the majority of the population in the US, this demand becomes overwhelming and silences the voices of minority groups who rely on the government for protections. 

To white people I would like to say - the government is here to provide for everyone. It is possible and rational for it to do so, as evidence from the culture in our northern neighbour. Just because the government works for minority groups and provides them protection, does not mean that less protection is provided for non-people of color. As long as one person in our society is oppressed, none of us are free.

WE are society. The government is not a power above us. WE are the government. And it is possible to make it work for us. All of us. Change is not revolutionary, it is nature.

It is also important to note that I do not mean to insinuate that Canada is a utopia. Canada must also recognize its own failings of people of color - especially those in the black and indigenous community - and do better. Canada has also had systematic racism and has failed to protect members of its society. We must also hold Canada up to the same expectations as we hold the United States.

Lastly, I would like to leave you all with a quote from Neal Christie: “We cannot separate social holiness and personal holiness.” 

Thank you all for reading. God bless. Stay safe. Stay inside. 

All my love,

Ash