You are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Now if you belong to Christ, then indeed you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29

The oft-repeated argument that locally-sourced bigotry is excusable because, “it’s far worse in other countries” is bogus, false, dishonest, disingenuous, and designed to justify…

This morning I’d like to offer a few comments about Saturday’s “Women’s March on Washington,” and the hundreds of spin-off marches around the nation.

I know a large number of people who participated – both in D.C. and here in Raleigh, where some 20,000 marched. These are women (and a few men) who respect the electoral process, participate in democracy, listen to others, and hold a variety of social and political viewpoints – but who feel it is important to protest what they believe has been a significant step backwards in the posture of American leadership when it comes to honoring, and respecting, the equal status of women and minorities.

Obviously we as Americans are all over the map when it comes to our assessment of where we stand as a nation in this regard. We all acknowledge there’s been tremendous progress over the past few decades; but while some believe we’ve come far enough – or too far – others are concerned that the new administration has signaled its intention to turn the clock back.

It’s clear that people of good conscience disagree over so many things – so why not this? My post today is not designed to cast aspersions on Republican lawmakers, but to raise my voice against the tidal wave of misinformation, fake news, anger, and bigotry that has been conjured up in response to what was evidently a series of peaceful, enthusiastic, constructive, heartfelt demonstrations.

I guess my greatest concern – and frustration – is the tendency of so many to instantly share, “amen,” and re-post gross misrepresentations of the truth, and to then judge everyone they disagree with according to what is undeniably patent falsehood.

So I’d like to set the record straight with these self-evident truths (feel free to share):

• No, women who marched are not saying you are, “a disgrace to women” because you didn’t march or don’t support the march. That’s a lie.
• No one in these marches went to Washington (or elsewhere) to whine, blame, look for a free ride, or refuse to take personal responsibility.
• The oft-repeated argument that locally-sourced bigotry is excusable because, “it’s far worse in other countries” is bogus, false, dishonest, disingenuous, and designed to justify what goes on here.
• So, no, it’s not okay to denigrate women in America because, “At least we let her drive.” Or, “It’s not a real injustice, because at least we didn’t kill her for forgetting her place….”
• Gender bias is real, and women are still underpaid and under respected in relation to their male counterparts.
• Racial discrimination remains a septic undercurrent in America that runs deep.
• Faith-based persecution is alive and well, and it is – always – 100% wrong.
• The practice of male chauvinism, “good old boy” networks, and misogyny have not gone away and – yes – women in America are often treated unfairly as a result.
• Many Americans believe, teach, and practice gender-stereotypical social roles that keep women in the kitchen, men out of nurturing roles, and equal opportunity out of the picture.

That’s just scratching the surface of what I have observed. But I hope the point is well made.

Let’s not discount a very real set of concerns. We still have a ways to go here in the USA when it comes to being more credible world leaders in the field of human rights. It’s not only charity that “begins at home” – it’s justice too.

– DEREK