Gays in the Military

Just read this from Sojourners. Thought I should share it:

One evening, Jesus went on the Chris Matthews show and a large audience was viewing.

As he sat down for the interview, Chris introduced a group of religious right leaders. They brought with them a man caught violating the don’t-ask-don’t-tell policy in the military.

They made him stand before the camera and said to Jesus, “This man was caught admitting that he was gay. The Law of Moses commanded us to stone such men, and military law demands that he be court-martialed. We don’t want to kill this man: all we are interested in doing is passing a law that would criminalize such behavior in the military and in all of society. What do you say? Do you support our pro-family agenda?”

Jesus leaned over and wrote on the desk with his finger.

The Family Research Council representative pressed harder, “Don’t you agree that we should outlaw gay behavior? Don’t you agree that the Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas which overturned the sodomy laws in this country was wrongly decided? Would you dare to deny that there is a place for criminal sanctions against homosexual behavior?” Jesus kept writing on the desk and didn’t respond.

Finally, Chris Matthews said, “Well, Sir, what do you say? They’ve asked you a question. How do you respond?”

Jesus sat up straight, looked directly into the camera, and said, “Just one thing. Let the one among you who is without sin cast the first vote against this man.”

The reference was from a debate between Aubrey Sarvis, a former gay military sharpshooter and Peter Sprigg, representative of the Family Research Council. The dialogue below:

Matthews:  I’m just asking you:  Should we outlaw gay behavior?

Sprigg:  I think that the Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas which overturned the sodomy laws in this country was wrongly decided.  I think there would be a place for criminal sanctions against homosexual behavior.

Matthews:  So we should outlaw gay behavior.

Sprigg:  Yes.

Thanks Brian McLaren for rewriting parable. The real parable is from John 8.1-11. People may feel uncomfortable because the parable implies that “homosexuality” is a sin and I can feel the squeamishness from people who don’t believe that being gay is a…shudder “sin.” Anyway, I’m going to stop writing.

Racism in China

This is the story of Lou Jing, a 20-year old contestant on Go! Oriental Angel (wtf?), the Shanghai version of American Idol. The reason for all of the buzz last year is because she is Black and Chinese. Her mother is from China and her dad, who she never met, is African American.

I felt like I was in a hot seat during my Comparative Race Analysis class today even though the conversation was not directed at me. I think for my Chinese (American) friends, we are aware of how racist Chinese people are towards Black people (tell your family that you want to marry a Black person) but it was still a shock to hear some of the explicit comments that Chinese people made towards Lou Jing. Actually, I take that back, the comments are worst for Lou Jing’s mother. The idea of intercourse with a person of a darker skin is almost unthinkable and “unclean.” I think on the show, they actually called Lou Jing “the black pearl” and “chocolate angel.” China is perhaps so homogenous that they don’t realize that these comments are discriminatory. The communist government has banned racial discrimination but ironically declares that racism is a “Western indulgence” and sees China as “the leader for victimized colored people.” (Dikotter, 1990)

There is an article from the Washington Post (pay to post) that also brings attention to the increasing racial tensions in China. China is investing  hundreds of billions of dollars in Africa, resulting in a new migration pattern where African men moving to cities like Guangzhou. There is an area in Guangzhou called “Chocolate City.” (Try saying that in Chinese in your head)

During class, I really wanted to alienate from the Chinese part of myself but at the same time, I wanted to marry a Black guy and go to China (or my family) and be like “now what!”  I married what you call a “black ghost!” (And that doesn’t even make sense because ghosts are transparent)

The Elders

“The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.”

From The Elders website.

The group formed in 2007 and I don’t know why I haven’t heard about them until now; it’s probably because of my ignorance. Their mission is lofty but their efforts are encouraging for many. One of their goals is to fight for equality for women and girls in the context of religion and traditional practices.

Watching the video gave me some chills. More information on the members.

Top 10 Pat Robertson Gaffes

Time put out a list of top ten seriously stupid things that “Christian” televangelist, Pat Robertson, has said.

Some favs:

Karate Demons, “took ghetto kids and made them fine citizens,”  ”inhaling some demon spirits!”

“That guy was a homo!”

Samsung Intensity Flamingo Red

Two years are up. New free phones, renewed contract.

Samsung Intensity Flamingo Red. Cost: free.

Haiti Relief

Please do not grow numb to the pictures and news stories. Donations and prayers are two easy ways to act. Another way is to stay up to date with the news about rescue efforts and death tolls.

Photo courtesy of N.Y. Times.

List of Donors. Pictures.