That’s not funny.

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Remember how last week I wrote to you about the words of my friend Bee?

In the wake of the sad events in this country, Bee wrote a Facebook post that NAILED IT. I asked him if I could post it on my blog and he said yes. I told him I wished he had a blog for me to link to, because [sometimes] Bee is so brilliant.

That's not funny // by Bee Bryant // stephanieorefice.net

Dear Christian white people. My friends and family.

(Why am I singling out white Christians?!! Read on!)

I’ve been thinking about this whole Charleston business (among other horrific news items) and feeling kind of helpless. I’m sure you can relate. All these events seem kind of senseless. I was looking at that kid, who shot 9 people. (And planned it for six months! What kid that age plans anything?!) And I wondered, what made that kid hate so much? Who taught him to hate? What made him think that his actions would start a race war?

Besides being crazy, he clearly thought a lot of people were silently behind him, just waiting for someone to spark the riot. I was struck by this quote from his roommate: “He made a lot of racist jokes.” I think his crazy survived and thrived in an atmosphere of racism. Maybe not “shoot up a church of innocent people racism” but “laugh at a funny photo of the president as a monkey” racism. He thought people basically agreed with him!!

There are many things we can’t do anything about, but this is one we can change.

People don’t post racist stuff on my timeline. Obviously, because I’m mixed. They see a mixed guy with dreads and big glasses, and they are afraid of me lecturing them to death.

So that’s where you, my 1,300 white Christian friends and family come in. There is a lot of racist stuff out there on social media. Don’t repost. Don’t share. Take a small stand against racism. When one of your friends posts something like that, don’t hide them, or unfriend them; confront them. It’s easy, just say, “that’s not funny.”

Honestly, it’s our Christian duty. Ephesians 5:4 is just one Bible verse of many that emphasizes this.

As a white person, you are uniquely suited to this ministry. People might mistakenly assume you’d be okay with that sort of humor. It’s your job to stand up for your minority brothers and sisters and put a stop to it.

I know, this whole, “no racist joking” seems like a minor thing. But it’s the small actions that count. Hate and evil can only be defeated in tiny steps. You can only create an atmosphere of light and love by being light and love.

And if you are not Christian (shout out to all my pagan and atheist friends!!) or not white (shout out to my one black friend!), you can do it to. Help me out here. Don’t post about “ghetto” black people, even if you are black. Mexican people, don’t post about mexicans! Don’t smile and be “okay” with jokes people make at you. Don’t make racist jokes yourself. (I’m guilty of this myself; see “black friend” joke.)

So in summary. Please. Don’t share “funny” racism. Please tell your friends. I don’t ask for many things on facebook, but this is one.

Okay. Back to your funny cat videos.

7 thoughts on “That’s not funny.

    1. oh man. when bee has his moments of brillianceĂ¢â‚¬Â¦ they’re really super brilliant. then the rest of the time i’m rolling my eyes at him and sending him angry emojis hahaha.

  1. This whole Charleston thing has been the saddest thing. It brought tears to my eyes when I thought of people – anyone at all – saying or acting out violence against the precious baby in my belly because she’s mixed. Nobody deserves this and it breaks my heart that there are people out there who think they DO. Thanks to Bee for this awesome post. I will be sharing it on Facebook.

    1. i actually cannot even begin to comprehend how human beings could treat each other in the ways they seem to be doing, increasingly more so. it makes 0 sense to me.

      1. Me too. I was literally just getting overwhelmed with all the bad things happening around us yesterday. We had a huge plane crash happen in the tourism industry here and nine people were killed. I had to really focus my energy on Jesus because I wanted to be so discouraged! I was so angry because it all happened because of carelessness. I was like, what is world coming to?! But God gently reminded me to not be angry, but to have grace. Ugh. It’s not easy.

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