The Presence of "Absence"

Recently I came across a term used by one of my professors that made an impression on me. In one of her chapters dealing with the study of "World" Christianity, Dr. Namsoon Kang used the term "absence." Actually, this term conveys a similar idea that has come up in several conversations and readings this semester. "Absence" deals specifically with the tendency for dominant groups with privilege to resist naming themselves, all the while naming others. This discussion came in the context of talking about how "World" Christianity has become a field of study in the Global West (and North). Part of Dr. Kang's critique of this field of study was that scholars who use the term "World" Christianity, are really talking about Christianity in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Part of the problem, she suggests, is that the current conversation about Global Christianity is that U.S. Christians do not name ourselves when talking about this topic. For example, we often talk about "them," and how we should understand "their" Christianity, as if "theirs" is under examination and "ours" is beyond scrutiny. So we say Latin American Christianity, African Christianity and Asian Christianity, but there is no mention of North American Christianity. When talking about Christianity, we simply say Christianity, because the assumption is that our Christianity is the norm. Because of this "absence" when talking about Christianity in the U.S., we unconsciously create binaries; an "us" and "them" way of talking.

This "absence" can be applied to areas other than the study of the Christian faith. If we think about the way we talk about race the same thing happens. Those in the privileged and dominant racial group often talk about "Blacks," "Hispanics," etc., while resisting to name themselves as being a part of the "White" race. The assumption is that "White" is the norm, and everyone else is the "Other." In fact, these "common sense" assumptions are made frequently, and not just by Christians and White people. While these two groups obviously have privilege in this country, there is a certain privilege that is also granted to men, heterosexuals, those in middle to upper socioeconomic class, able bodied people, the list goes on. We often assume that our unique experience is either the norm, or the preferred way of living. These assumptions often come out in our conversations, and unconsciously reinforce these binaries and unhealthy ways of representing others.

I bring this out because our conversation is key to resisting the trends that keep people oppressed. It's one thing to actively resist oppression through activities like protest, changing legislation, etc, but our conversation is central to resisting stereotypes and oppression on a more subtle level. North American Christianity is just another version of Christianity, just like Christianity in Asia, Africa and Latin America. We don't have a monopoly on Christianity in the United States (and frankly, Christians don't have a monopoly on God!). White people are members of a race just like African Americans, Hispanics, Asian, Native American, etc. White people do not have a monopoly on humanity, we are all valuable as human beings. We come from different walks of life, and varying perspectives. All are valuable, and should be treated as such... Even in our conversations.