THINK TWICE ABOUT SIDING WITH THE OPPRESSOR

      Let me warn you up front.  You might want to get your smelling salts out, as we are going to take the ‘long way’ around the mountain on a very sensitive topic.  Please make sure that your trays are in an upright position and keep your torches and pitchforks among your carry-ons as we take off into the wild blue.

    Interesting thing about the purchase of Twitter by Elon Musk.  Not the fact that he had the money to buy the ‘Twitterverse’, but whom he first fired after he carried the famed ‘sink’ into his new enterprise. 

     Perhaps, I should better say it this way: The ‘shade’ of those whom he made the decision to show the door.  That’s right…there were some individuals of color who were either naturalized American citizens or born here in the good ‘ol USA.  This—I hate to bring it up—is part of the ‘dirty little secrets’ package of the tech world; how easily people of color OTHER than Blacks and Hispanics are brought into the Tech enterprise landscape and practice the art of racism, discrimination and ‘the double shuffle’ BETTER than those who would have best been identified as ‘their oppressors’ in old school terminology.

      Doubt me?  Occasionally, an article surfaces from a Black employee (or, former employee) in the tech field who pens a not-so-pretty picture of the discrimination against Blacks and Hispanics (and even ‘older’ tech employees).  Silicon Valley is not as ‘inclusive’ as it wants to portray itself in the mainstream mess. 

      After all, the truth is NOT good for business.

      However, this sad trend is NOT only happening in the technology sector.  In politics, we have people of color who identify strongly with the liberal wing of the Democrat party who are ‘doing dirt’ to domestic people of color—Blacks and Hispanics.  They have come from other shores, become naturalized American citizens, and have mastered racism and oppression like a six-year-old riding their first bicycle.  Without the training wheels.

      And guess who they—the imitators–usually turn to for support and shoulder to cry on when the oppressors they imitated put THEM out the door?  Right.  As Richard Pryor once said: “Just Us.”

      Pryor was ahead of his time in a lot of ways.  Sure, he used a bit too much profanity for my taste.  However, when push came to shove, one of his routines involved how the Vietnamese came to be so highly regarded by Americans after fleeing oppression from a war-torn Vietnam.  They learned how to imitate—almost to perfection—the language of their oppressors.  These ‘rescued’ immigrants QUICKLY learned how to practice the game of oppression like seasoned Americans.

       Funny how this sad formula has been repeated by other people of color who have made their way to the United States and have become ‘Americanized’.  Oh, and lest you think that Black folk are ‘immune’ from practicing racism, just get into our history about ‘colorism’. Remember the ‘paper bag’ test?  Further, we practice ‘censorship’ among our race when it comes to Christian, Church Going, KJV Bible believing and Conservative Blacks folk.  You know—the Pro-Life side of the street (which does make up many of us).  Don’t even get me started about the racism between African-Americans and Africans who have come to America. 

      Yep, it’s real folks.  Want more? 

      Among Hispanics, the practice of racism and colorism has an extra dimension—discrimination based upon one’s birth country.  Thus, those from Mexico who live here in the states do not ‘hang’ with those from Honduras, Guatemala, and other Latin American countries.

      Frankly, hanging with and imitating those who oppress one’s people is a sin, just like racism is a sin—be it practiced or portrayed against an opposite race (or sex) or within one’s race.  Yes, there WILL be a payday someday for those who practice such sins.  However, the sinister nature of oppression makes it a particularly dangerous sin for those who come to this land for a better life.  Especially for those who practice such a sin who claim to be Christian and a part of the family of God.

      Mark it.  The Bible has plenty to say on those who are mistreated by oppressors.  Proverbs 3:31; Isaiah 3:12, and Psalm 54:3 (in the KJV) are just a few places where the subject is examined.  In short, God takes it personally when people are oppressed—especially HIS people.

      As I wrap this up, I hope that those who are into ‘thinking’ that they can hide behind technology and make short work of their own—or other people of color—do some serious reflection and repenting of their actions, BEFORE the chickens come home to roost.  God’s feet are in boots of brass; they move slow, and they grind fine.  What goes around DOES come around.  When the oppressor has their check cashed, unfortunately, the bill is usually paid by someone in their OWN family. 

       It may not happen today, but it WILL happen someday.  Bank on it!

      Mike Ramey is a Retired Minister, KJV Bible Teacher, syndicated columnist and Bible Prophecy Specialist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.  “The Quick Scan” is one of a variety of his columns appearing and abounding in print and cyberspace, written from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective since 1996.  To drop him a line—or a whine—the address is still the same: manhoodline@yahoo.com.  ©2022 Barnstorm Communications International.