Different Lenses
Intersectionality is not solely limited to race and sex. This summer, I have had conversations about systemic racism through a law lens with Dr. Joann Ross and a Christian lens with my Hive group at UNL.
Legal Lens
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What’s legal isn’t always moral.
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There have been attempts to destroy credibility by bringing up Black men's pasts in several cases, including with George Floyd.
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Bystanders are always considered.
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Good Samaritan laws have led to bystanders being charged. 1983 Cheryl Araujo case - she was raped in a bar with bystanders cheering her on. The Accused (1988) is about this case.
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This is relevant with the George Floyd murder since three police officers were present and aware while a fourth officer, Derek Chauvin, murdered Floyd.
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The way media covers things changes people’s opinions.
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Victim blaming is very relevant.
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Supreme court decisions don’t get implemented right away.
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Intersectionality (race, class, gender) always needs to be considered.
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Have conversations that make you uncomfortable.
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The side effects of free speech
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Just because you have the opportunity to speak freely doesn’t mean other people can’t react freely.
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Free speech laws protects you from the government, not from other people. Other people can react however they would like.
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A Bath and Body Works employee responded to a discriminatory comment harshly and was fired. Both parties were using free speech, but a private company can react how they want.
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There are many historically racist cases.
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Scottsboro case: Nine Black teenagers were accused of raping two white women on a train in 1931 and went to court with an all-white jury.
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Christian Lens
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Align your choices with your values.
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If you see the world through a faith-based perspective, that should apply to every part of your life.
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Faith is not justified by works, but faith without works is dead.
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Understand where people are coming from and come from a place of love.
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Instead of playing offence or defence, have a conversation.
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Jesus intentionally helped specific groups of people.
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Love your neighbor even if your neighbor does not love you.
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Don’t be a bystander to racial justice: raise money, help other people, don't just watch it happen.
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What can you do to engage in conversations?
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Change happens slowly because the younger generation doesn’t try to change the older.
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Generational change:
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Register to vote, get older people talking, teach them about how to talk about it so they can spread that knowledge and have conversations with others.
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