It is a temptation that every human has, to think about and talk about “those people.” “Those people” are anybody we want to group together and judge: “Well that’s just what those people are like. You know how those people act. Everything would be fine if it weren’t for those people.”
When we hear of something bad that a person(s) has done, our minds are quick to group together and judge all the other people who are in that same group. It can be done for any grouping: race, religion, occupation, political party, social class, etc. It is most tempting after you or a person like you, is appalled or taken advantage of by someone in a different social group. That legitimate pain can easily spread into resentment and prejudice for all of “those people.”
Some examples: Lawyers can get a bad rap as being dishonest and greedy, but we all know wonderful lawyers. Many non-churchgoers view pastors with suspicion because there have been so many instances of sexual abuse by priests and ministers. I don’t like it, but I understand. Or think back to after 9/11, when many people pre-judged all Muslims as terrorist threats. Those are examples of hearing about something bad that some persons have done, and then judging all the other people in that group for it.
So let’s think about our country today. What examples of judging “those people” can you see? I understand why some African-Americans would think that all white people are insensitive and uncaring. But I work hard to not be that kind of a person, or be seen as a white-body supremacist. And I would also understand people who see on the news that some places with protests for racial equality also experienced looting, and then assume that all protesters for justice are some of “those people.” (As a helpful rule of thumb to remember: “protesters protest, but looters loot.”) And we can also understand, after years of so many African-Americans being wrongfully killed and assaulted by police, that some would judge all police as “those people.” But that wouldn’t be right either. Our wonderful police officers here in Weaverville prove it’s not the case.
When I spoke with our chief of police last week, he hated that the cruel actions of police officers elsewhere tarnish all of their reputations. I thanked him and other officers here personally for their service to our community, and said our church is glad to support our community however we can.
Sharing your beliefs from your heart is how you can work against others grouping you with “those people.” But how can we keep from doing it ourselves? First we need to recognize that it is a true human temptation, especially when we have been hurt or appalled by someone(s) from another group. Next, we need to listen. Listen to people who are different from ourselves, listen to what their lives and experiences have been like. That will help us not further old stereotypes but gain better understanding and relationships. So those of us who are white should intentionally and genuinely listen to voices of people of color, so we can hear what it’s like to be victims of discrimination, brutality, and injustice. Lastly, when bad things do happen (and they will), we must focus on and address what the problems are. Not group together and judge all of “those people,” but work to make better things and patterns that are not right. That is part of the important work of building the kingdom of heaven here on earth. It's easy to assume we know everything about "those people," but it's hard to do the work of building relationships and building the kingdom.