Why I made this post wasn't to make people feel bad. It was in response to some recent statements, and many statements and attitudes I've seen written on this board. To me, it seemed like statements that suggest a hatred and intolerance of other religious groups wasn't be taken seriously. The statements were being made by people who say they're Christian (also some by people who say they're atheist).
Those who I perceived to be attacking other groups and blaming the other groups for their problems I believed seemed blind to some of the benefits they have from being in a majority religion, especially one where it is easy to not be noticed in the crowd. As I stated in the OP, there are exceptions, and I meant privileges compared to minority religions, rather then privileges in general in society. I am aware that our country is moving toward being more atheist/agnostic, and the churches like the WBC make Christians look bad.
Saying other religions are "taking over" and having bad, stereotypical, and discriminatory things to say about people in these other religions isn't very productive though, and some statements I've seen really shows a need of some to try going to an Interfaith dialogue.
Like some people will tell you, I don't hate Christians. I have Christian friends, I have a Christian Bible, and I've defended Christians both here on Susan's and IRL. Despite that, I do think every once in awhile we need to at least think about some things we have that are good (like. . . not having people yell terrorist at you because most Christian women don't believe they need to wear a headscarf). I had to read the "Invisible Knapsack: White Privilege" essay years ago, and that was a great read, and as a pale-skinned person, I think of that list all the time. While you may not agree with my list, those are just some things that I've noticed I had more when I was identifying as Christian and that I don't quite have now. I don't cover my head every day, so I have the contrast of days where I am just seen as another white female in the crowd, and then on days when I am going to temple, and I put a scarf on and maybe stop quickly at a store on the way to or fro and seeing how some people treat me. There are some benefits to being in a headscarf, and other really bad things.
I am mainly just sick of being on here and hearing these statements from people who claim they're Christians that put down other religious groups. There should be more tolerance and empathy.
If you think Christianity is under threat, it's been easy to blame "the boogeyman" which is Islam and other visible religious minority. Why? Because you can see them. Walking down the street, you see a woman with a scarf or a dark skinned man with a beard and skull-cap, you can easily assume s/he is a Muslim. The media often paints them in a bad light, they're misunderstood, there's sometimes language barriers, culture barriers, etc. The media is confused about what Sharia law is, and confusion and ignorance makes things seem more threatening.
However, it isn't these religious groups that are threatening Christianity in the Western world. It's unfair to blame these other groups and say things which come across as being insensitive and hurtful to these people. The real threat isn't just to Christianity, it's to
religious people of all types. Anyone seen the
proposed law from Quebec? They want to ban large crosses, skull caps, hijab, niqab, turbans, and yarmulkes from public workers. This effects people of ALL religions.
Now, I could write a Sikh privilege list, or Pagan privilege list too. (I was raised Christian, it didn't connect with me. I was Pagan for awhile, and then I realized that I was actually Sikh and didn't know it). All religions have their benefits and con in society.
Those were my observations, and your feedback is always appreciated.
I do though think it would be a nice exercise to see what it's like being a visible religious minority (we all know what it's like to be visible as trans). For anyone willing to play along, it would be interesting to see those who live as female in their everyday life to put on a headscarf, long sleeves and pants, and go out to the store, the movies, whatever and write about if you think you were treated differently. Those who live as men, put on a skull cap or tie a turban and try to grow your beard and see if you're treated differently.
Tolerance and empathy can come with walking a mile in each other's shoes. I feel like I've been on both sides of this. Being assumed to be a Muslim even though I am not, and having been called a terrorist and traitor is perspective-changing.
Again, I don't hate Christians or Christianity. Not everyone here or Christians in general are who I am talking about.
(wow, I think this is my longest post ever)
