i've moved to davidleong.info

last night's faith & race class went well, but certainly not because of my disjointed, over-reaching theological confusion. apologies to those who were subjected to my rambling blue squiggley chart- it was an attempt to present an idea that seemed relevant in my head, but once i got into it, i realized how little time there was to provide an adequate explanation. oh well.

at least the film, the color of fear, was thought provoking and engaging. the insightful dialogue between the different men revealed the painful reality that many white people are simply oblivious to the privileges afforded to them because of their race. in a sense, it is difficult to fault their ignorance because we live in a society that is dominated by the power and privilege of white people- in government, industry, the media, and so on. and yet, i'm also hopeful for the growing awareness of those in dominant culture who recognize that it is the responsibility of those in power to hear the voice and experience of the other and allow it to shape their own worldview.

far too often the sentiment from the white establishment has been, "why don't you want to come over to where we are?", not recognizing the obstacles that prevent minorities from sharing the common ground that is so easily overlooked by those with majority privileges. every time my chinese face reminds some white person of 'some other oriental,' or i'm complimented on my english (this happens quite often), or i'm confused for ichiro because of my 'slanty eyes' (yes, this happened, too)- whenever i am confronted with these ridiculous situations, i am slapped in the face with the blatant racism in our society that undergirds our social structures and upholds the status quo of keeping the power in the hands of those with white privilege.