The Dangerous Memory

[Pacifist Patriot]

Anyone disturbed by Rev. Wright's sermons and comments really should look into the book, "A Feminist Ethic of Risk" by Sharon Welch. As she herself points out, the word feminist needn't really be in the title. I would have actually used "A Prophetic Ethic of Risk" instead, but since I didn't write this excellent book I'll graciously defer to the author, editor and publisher.

Welch's book does a fantastic job of pointing out why so many of us are inclined to throw up our hands in dismay and do nothing rather than begin to tackle some of our country's and planet's most pressing problems. She includes critical analysis of several African-American novels, all written by women, that is extremely helpful in illustrating her assertions. It also provides us with compelling reasons why we can and should overcome our cynicism and dismay and take the risks necessary to address problems of social justice and environmentalism.

The conclusion is of particular interest with respect to the negative reaction to Rev. Wright, even by white liberals / progressives. White Americans, whatever their degree of interest in social justice, cannot simply choose to empathize with and totally understand the black experience in our society at will.

I found this set of quotes interesting.

Liberation is also defined as a process of naming and analysis. It is a process in which dominated groups discover their history of oppression and resistance and articulate their concept of themselves and their vision of a just society.

A view of liberation many of us would probably find ourselves nodding in agreement with but failing to realize exactly HOW that is done. She goes on to say:

Liberation is a process in which oppressive groups acknowledge their responsibility for structures of domination and name the forces that lead to repentence and conversion. (page 157)

I realize the religious language may not sit well with some of us, but I think she hits on something extraordinarily important here. Exactly how are dominated groups to go through this process without a safe environment in which to do so. The African American church is a sanctuary in more ways than one.

According to Welch, ”Dangerous memories are a people’s history of resistance and struggle, of dignity and transcendence in the face of oppression. Dangerous memories are stories of defeat and of victory, a casting of the past in terms of a present of joy, hope, and struggle. Memories of oppression and defeat become dangerous when they are used as the foundation for a critique of existing institutions and ideologies that blur the recognition and denunciation of injustice.” (page 155)

If I may be so bold, Rev. Wright’s preaching consists of just such dangerous memories. No wonder so many have reacted in fear and outrage. What would there be to fear if he weren’t offering a legitimate critique of current institutions and ideologies?

Edited for typos

[bicentennial_baby]

1. K&R

Great post! :applause:

[annabanana]

2. It is memories that fuel vengeance.

That is the very stuff of "blood feuds" that last for generation after generation. Whether it's Haatfields & McCoys or The Jewish/Arab conflicts. They can last decades or they can last centuries. What looks and feels like "Justice" to one will look and feel like "Vengeance" to the other.

Does Welch posit any solutions to this?

[Pacifist Patriot]

3. It isn't memories that fuel vengeance, it's grudges.

I don't consider them the same thing.

Her book is a message of hope that addresses the despair that keeps us from working for social justice and overcoming oppression. A discussion of grudge matches would be far off topic. The feuds you mention are not examples of systems of oppression. I realize the current situation in Palestine belies that, but overall the conflict between Jew and Arab is not necessarily one rooted in group power imbalance.

I think you raise an extremely important consideration, it's just that it's not within the scope of Welch's work.

[Fovea]

4. hmmm

Not memories as much as mythos, the transformation from history to narrative.
It is the way our family, our club and our culture creates wisdom out of event.

But stories are a tool, and no better or worse than the punch line.

[Pacifist Patriot]

5. Excellent point. I absolutely agree.