Comments on: More on faith on culture

By: shannon

shannon — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 05:10:57 +0000

You said it fine the first time, but I enjoyed the second time, too. This is how I feel about so many aspects of culture and raising a Black child in a white family. I just want her to have some sense of what’s expected of her so she can choose or not to “fit in” as she decides is best.

By: cloudscome

cloudscome — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 13:57:25 +0000

Beautiful post. You said it so well! I got a chuckle out of your use of the term “grok”. I haven’t heard that in a while!

I get what you are saying about religion being part of the culture/language/shared experience that is assumed to go with one’s apparent race/ethnicity. I think that knowledge, experience and framework are important advantages to give our children. They do need the tools to build those bridges.

One thing I think you are leaving out - from my perspective. The actual God. The Spirit who reveals itselfÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ not dependent on language, culture, etc. but usually found by us in those channels. I wonder if you know a God beyond religion? Or do you see religion as only a human phenomenon? I am guessing that you do believe in a Universal Great Spirit God (terminology?) but see that as somewhat separate from religion. Do you think it is up to an individual (our children) to find that Spirit in their own journey, or do you think that Spirit will seek to know us/them?

By: Ally

Ally — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 04:13:17 +0000

It’s late, and i should be in bed, but a couple of thoughts:
-Jamie had the experience you’re describing - African-American, Christian, (plus French-speaking Carribean), cozy, women doing their hair (and some boys’ hair), telling us to have a blessed day, at his first daycare. I’ve written about this a tiny bit at my own blog, but I grew up very segregated in white Catholic Columbus and for years had a hard time connecting with anyone of color. I don’t want Jamie to have the same experience and I can only imagine how important it is for Madison to not have that experience as well.
-I have a friend who was raised Catholic, married a secular Jew, and she’s struggled to incorporate Jewish customs and faith in their lives. It’s more important to her than her husband, maybe, or maybe he’s just uncomfortable because he feels like he should know what she’s learning and trying to teach their boys.
-I’m not sure what our formal church/faith will look like, but I’m feeling the pressure to just choose something already so Jamie has that foundation to build on or reject as he sees fit.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 21:15:19 +0000

Good post.

Modeh ani lefaneicha melech chai v’kayam shehechezarta bi nishmati bechemlah - rabbah emunatecha.

Did I get that right? I’m not Jewish, but I love the sentiment. Happy Thanksgiving.

And you already explained it quite well the first time.

By: kelleybell

kelleybell — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 16:36:44 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dinner is at 2.

Could you bring the olives?