That's probably a good thing, since we live in an environment that is becoming more and more multicultural. I am currently taking a class called "Cultural Diversity in the Classroom" for my teaching credentialing program, and quite a bit of our reading has to do with the harsh truths about the oppressive attitudes dominant American culture has imposed on minorities. We need to stay aware about both what has been done wrong, and what has been (and can be) done right.
People who know me will probably also attest to the fact that I'm a Christian. Anyone reading this blog has no doubt picked up on that. For the most part, the history of Christian missions has been sadly politicized. Wherever the monk went, there went a conquistador, too. In the name of Christ or the Church, countries were claimed and peoples were killed or enslaved. Even if violence was not prevalent, the work of spreading the Gospel frequently became confused with "civilizing" the natives. Civilizing generally meant excising all non-European customs, clothing, languages, and of course, religions.
Because of this mash-up of saving and sterilizing, almost all minorities (especially in the US of A) resent Christianity. Christianity represents the oppression of their people.
In a multicultural environment, we the people are trying to become more aware and more sensitive of those who may not belong to the "dominant" group. We have become careful not to offend through stereotypes or racist behavior. So far, so good.
Then, I read in an assigned text about how the American Indian peoples are angry because the Christian Church is the primary agency through which Indian children are "spirited away" and placed in American/Christian/non-Indian homes. And I pause. Society would have me decry that as a cruel and unnecessary practice, particularly if the Indian families are capable of providing for those children. Society would have me ask why we think it better that those children grow up away from the culture and religion of their ancestors. Society would have me say, Why must the Christian think himself so high and right, that he can destroy that culture without a second thought?
I have to admit a very awkward truth. Because we do think we're right. I don't think that the entire way of Indian life (or any culture, for that matter) should be destroyed - far from it. But I can't completely buy into the pluralism that says "it's all valid." I have to disagree with this author's premise. Yes, we want to destroy your religion. But only because we want you to live! to be truly free! How can I say that out loud, and not be labelled "racist"? Maybe I can't.
