The language of power dynamics: Racism is about power

“Even the statement ‘Let’s invite more Black people to the table’ implies ownership of the table and control of who is invited. Racism is about power.” — Bernice King

I realise that it takes a radical shift in mindset to relinquish any form of power dominance for those of us (namely, Whites in America, Chinese in Singapore, etc) who benefit from the supremacist system, and to use appropriate language that recognises equality and comes from a place of humility, rather than using words that imply superiority over another race or another group of people.

I am learning that there is unequal power dynamics shown in the statement “Let’s invite more Black people to the table”, which implies who “own” the table and “control” who is invited.

(Unequal power dynamics is also implied when a dominant group uses words like “reach out” and “include”.)

Even though the act of inviting more Black people to join the table may be done out of good intentions, it does show an unconscious assent to the notion that the White people are the ones who hold the power.

Similarly, I recalled that in the Old Testament, kings such as King David and King Ahasuerus, also invited people to eat at their tables, which has a paradox of showing they are generous on one hand and they hold the power on the other hand.

Then I noticed that in the New Testament, Jesus reversed the language of power dynamics when he chose to be invited to eat at someone’s table instead of inviting others to eat at his table.

For example, he told Zacchaeus the tax collector, who was marginalised by society, that he would be a guest at Zacchaeus’ house.

I believe that Jesus is using the language of equality and humility to tell Zaccheus that he treats Zaccheus equally instead of how society treats him, and even grants Zaccheus the honour of inviting him to eat at his table.

Perhaps what the White people and Chinese people can learn from Jesus about equality is to humble ourselves and seek to listen to the marginalised Blacks and People of Colour (including migrant workers and domestic helpers) and learn from their stories at their tables (thus acknowledging that they hold equal power and worth), instead of at our tables.

For Jesus has set an example by treating us all equally. (Philippians 2:5-7)