Kolvenbach and King

     I had an interesting conversation recently amidst the news of Loyola's history with slavery and what that means in terms of reparations and responsibility. The girl I was speaking with said something along the lines of "recognizing privilege isn't enough, people need to be willing to lose their privilege in order to be an ally" (in this situation it was in relation to black lives, although I could see how it would be applicable to many movements, including trans rights and equal wages. I think it stuck with me because we've been talking so much about performative action and what it would take to qualify for reparations, or if reparations are even fathomable. 

    In King's Letter to Birmingham Jail he discusses how nonviolent direct action is being dismissed as extremist (King, 5). The irony of the situation lies in the fact that nonviolent direct action is at the very bottom of what is necessary to evoke change, and that sixty years later the fight for equality is still raging on. I think that this ties in with what my friend said about privilege because it is at the root of why we haven't been able to progress further than we have. People are protective over the comfort that comes with privilege, and reject the discomfort that comes with change. In my opinion, privilege only exists at the expense of the oppressed. Losing privilege isn't about experiencing the same abuse and exhaustion of oppressed people, it's about stopping oppression so that everybody may experience the same privileges. I think that was part of what was misinterpreted as extremist in Birmingham. 

    In connection with Kolvenbach, finding the ability to lean into this discomfort comes with a lot of reflection, similar to that of the Jesuit examen. We have to keep ourselves present and aware of where the issue lies, and make specific and purposeful changes in order to pursue true equality. This sort of purposeful action would help promote information and education where people can fall ignorant. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Fine Line Between Relatable and Condescending

Image
     I am just going to come right out and say it: these first few chapters of  Stamped … I hated them. Author Jason Reynolds relies heavily on the use of slang and comedy to, I would assume, ease the weight of the information being discussed, and create a more relatable connection between himself and readers. I mean, comparing the name Gomez Eanes de Zurara to a cheerleading chant (Reyonds 4)? Really? I find that many adults believe using slang or more causal, comedic language will better resonate with younger generations. However, as a member of one of these younger generations, I can confidently say that being addressed in this way can oftentimes come off as condescending, as though the author is talking down to readers. I recognize that those with less exposure to conversations about race may appreciate Reynold’s approach, sort of easing into it, if you will. And that for some, comedy is the best approach to alleviate the discomfort that comes with learning and talking about some o
Read more

Action Now

       It is interesting how King and Kolvenbach connect. In each, they are calling for action now. Both address their fellow people, King is writing to black people and supporters of the Civil Rights Movement, and Kolvenbach is speaking to Catholic, Jesuits. In his speech, “The Service of Faith and the Promotion of Justice in American Jesuit Higher Education,” Kolvenbach acknowledges that a huge component of the Jesuit faith is learning and education. Jesuit institutes have developed greatly and are creating groundbreaking discoveries and new technologies. Education is great but it is nothing without applying it. If learning was all that mattered, there would not be these impressive institutes. Now Kolvenbach is not saying that education is unimportant or worthless, but rather that it is not enough. And just like how education is not enough, so too is faith. It is all fine and dandy that you believe in God’s word and the teachings of Jesus Christ, but you are cutting yourself short
Read more

Fisk Kolvenbach and King Response

  Kolvenbach and King Response   Both of these readings tackled the same issues, but the one that stuck out to me the most was the necessity of hands-on or first-hand experience in order to better understand how oppression impacts people and how to better fight for justice. King writes that “I don’t believe you would have so warmly commended the police force if you had seen the angry violent dogs literally bitin g six unarmed, nonviolent Negroes. I don’t believe you would so quickly commend the policemen if you would observe their ugly and inhuman treatment of Negroes here in the city jail; if you would w atch them push and curse old Negro women and young Negro girls; if you would see them slap and kick old Negro men and young boys, if you would observe them, as they did on two occasions , refusing to give us food because we wanted to sing our gra ce together” (King 5). The lack of experience that the religious leaders criticising him have with regards to the real tre
Read more