The Uniting of Races ... Credit the Watchtower

by The wanderer 44 Replies latest jw friends

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  The wanderer

  The Uniting of the Races, Giving Credit where Credit is Due

  Although this discussion is going to raise the eyebrows of controversy, it is
  necessary to consider. Having been one of Jehovah's Witnesses for a
  number of years I could not help but notice that there was harmony between
  people of different races.

  Did the Watchtower Help in Uniting the Races or was it Propaganda?

  In the organization there were certain facts that were undeniable. For example, there were
  a number of mixed marriages and interracial marriages that I suppose, for all intents, and
  purposes, were good and consisted of individuals that would never have met if it were not
  for the organization.

  Recognizing the Backlash on this Topic of Discussion

  Personally, all things considered equal, I am glad that I had the opportunity to meet people
  of different cultures and backgrounds while I was with the organization. If I had to carry
  something good out of the organization—it was the breaking down of racial barriers.

  
  
  Please give us your thoughts on this highly controversial issue.

  Respectfully,

  The Wanderer
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  sir82

  In my experience, I have encountered quite a bit of racism amongst JWs. The main difference is, as a JW, you learn to hide it better.
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  aSphereisnotaCircle

  Yeah i used to think their wasn't any racism among witness's.

  And yes their are mixed marraiges in Jdub land.

  but when I heard elders in texas use the n word, and also make racist comments regarding Mexicans, I knew that racism was alive and well in the org.

  And what about all those white men on the GB? Only recently have they included a token black man.
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  OUTLAW

  I heard racism remarks first hand as a kid,at a Texas assembly..Pretty shocking for a JW kid...OUTLAW
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  Satanus

  If there is preexisting racism, cults tend to squash it as they do other individualism and free thought.

  S
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  candidlynuts

  if you look back in history did the watchtowers changes in racial unity become publicity for the watchtower when the usa was going thru change as well?

  i know waaaaaaay back that the watchtower used to say that black people would be made white in the new system. i dont know but i'd bet that the bragging of unity issues would have been more prevalent during the mid 50s on when it was a big political issue here in the US.
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  stillajwexelder

  I never noticed racism - and saw loads of mixed race marriages and still do
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  aSphereisnotaCircle

  I heard racism remarks first hand as a kid,at a Texas assembly..Pretty shocking for a JW kid...OUTLAW

  This was my experience too. I was absolutely shocked when i heard an elder speak this way, and I excused the whole incident. But this elder spoke this way on a regular basis, and then i strted noticing other elders making racist comments too, after awhile, I just couldn't excuse it any more. I was raised to believe that we (JW's) were not racists, boy was I wrong.

  They give anti-racism lipservice, but do nothing about it when it happens.

  I have heard many racist remarks in the org. I have never heard of anyone being hauled in front of a JC for it.
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  aSphereisnotaCircle

  never noticed racism - and saw loads of mixed race marriages and still do

  Your a white boy ain't ya?
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  Justitia Themis

  Your a white boy ain't ya?

  Dear A Sphere is not a Circle:

  I can't speak for Stillajwexelder, but I happen to be white girl, and I DO notice racism in the congregations; however, most of it is from black brothers and sisters who assume everyone is "against" them. Or, brothers and sisters from the Spanish congregation who make fun of "gringos." Despite my whiteness, I am not totally unaware of the challenges faced by persons of color. My daughter is Latina, and I have nieces and nephews who are Portugese, Spanish and Cambodian.

  While there is undeniably racial tension in the congregation's between ALL races and cultures, the fact remains that the congregations are more integrated than any other religious organziation of which I am aware. We can discuss the WTBTS's failings ad naseum, but this is one area in which they excel.

  Justicia