Nobodies
A world where in theory everybody is a somebody is a radically different place from a world divided into somebodies and nobodies.
- John Bowe: Introduction to Nobodies
Bowe is discussing the eye-opening topic of modern-day slavery right here in our own back yard (yes, within the borders of America) along with the darker impact of free-market/economic globalization. I’m around 2/3 through and will write my thoughts on the book when I’m done, but this particular quote struck a chord with me on a different level.
Just as we tend to dehumanize the poor, far too often we dehumanize the ugly, fat, annoying, disabled, sickly, pale, weak, and generally “different” individuals around us in our every day lives. All too often I sit at a table at lunch or lounge around on break and hear one disparaging remark after another based solely on how someone looks, talk, or walk after a short 5 second interaction. Sadly enough, this scenario plays out just as often with my Christian friends as it does with those who do not yet follow.
Are the they less than human? Or perhaps they woke up one morning as a child and say “today I start my journey to obesity, ugliness, and halitosis!” As we sit and laugh at their expense, usually behind their back -despite our own obvious health issues, failures and internal ugliness - the dehumanized are simply wanting to be accepted for who they are so perhaps they can start their journey with a friend towards a healthier or more fulfilled life.
Obviously not every Christ-follower falls into the trap of dehumanizing those around us. I often speak up, as do many of us, despite the ridicule that is returned my way… I know one unfortunate Christian who considered this ridicule “persecution,” thinking that she then must be blessed because “blessed are the persecuted.” but.. i digress..
There is no doubt in my mind, though, that a large portion of people who claim adoption into the family of Christ still live under the influence of our society in which social status, good looks, and popularity mean more than the heart and emotions that make up a person. If you talk right, look right, have the right money (or at least appear to have the money), carry yourself a certain way… you are a somebody… everyone else is reduced to a person to point at, laugh at, and ultimate emotional manipulate…
To illustrate, Lindsey shares two stories, both true that she experienced first hand of those who get it… and those who don’t.
Perhaps the majority of us, Christ Followers or not, do not endorse or enslave others for our personal gain; it’s becoming increasing clear, however, that our world remains a world of “somebodies” and “nobodies.”
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it is so sad to live in such a society that finds joy and laughter at the expense of others…even between friends. its become second nature for most of the people in America. we grow up with this “persecution”, live with it, learn from it and retaliate. and, between friends, it even becomes and ongoing joke and “fun” to pick on each other about such things. this is our society. this is where we live. how sad is that?
so good…so good!
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Gen 1:27
all men and women are created in the image of God and therefore have dignity.
These type of experiences shouldn’t make us only say “true, true” and then turn and do nothing about it. After awareness comes action. Pray that God gives us the eyes to see others they way He sees them, and then act upon it.
Much easier said than done.
And, i totally don’t the get “i must be blessed because I face persecution by standing up for someone”…sounds like she stands up for someone not out of love but because SHE gets blessed…it’s almost a holier-than-thou pity act. But I’m jumping to conclusions…
What a great topic.
It is a real challenge to see people and understand their walk and what drives them to be who they are and do what they do. I know that I often try to understand “judge” what it is like for a person but I can only do that from my experience and knowledge. What happens is I end up not accepting what is in front of me or trying to understand that person in my terms.
It is hard to walk in anybodies shoes or to live what they have seen or done but it is easy to offer them friendship and love. It shows that somebody cares what happens and offers an opportunity of hope to be accepted and loved.
Love creates acceptance and friendship causes change!