All Flesh Shall See It Together
“. . . identity synthesis may likely lead to a society that fundamentally violates his most fundamental values and his most ardent aspirations for the future. The lure that attracts so many people to the identity synthesis is a desire to overcome persistent injustices and create a society of genuine equals but the likely outcome of implementing this theology is a society in which an unremitting emphasis on our differences pits rigid identity groups against each other in a zero-sum battle for resources and recognition – society in which all of us are, whether we want to or not, forced to define ourselves by the groups into which we happen to be born. that’s what makes identity synthesis a trap.” [1]
When I started reading the book, I was drawn to the initial narrative author Yascha Mounk shared about the events at Mary Lin Elementary School. As I read, my heart sank because a similar situation took place in a local elementary school. When working on class placements for the following school year, a teacher assigned three incoming students of the same race to his/her own classroom for the upcoming year. It was asserted that the teacher of the same race would understand them and relate to them best. Does this incident, like the one Mounk shares early in the book, represent movements of segregation? Mounk seems to relate that the likely outcome of implementing this theology is a society in which an unremitting emphasis on our differences pits rigid identity groups against each other in a zero-sum battle for resources and recognition – a society in which all of us are, whether we want to or not, forced to define ourselves by the groups into which we happen to be born. [2] Is it possible that the more we focus on our differences, the more polarized we become?
Several years ago, when I was a Kindergarten teacher, teaching in an urban public elementary school outside of Detroit, a strange social phenomenon happened in my classroom around January/February. Year after year, I would notice that my sweet “babies” eyes would be opened to the differences in their skin color around the middle of January in a way that caused conflict and division in the place of their previously playful interactions. Divisions between kindergarten classmates started to ruminate as more and more emphasis and conversations were being had involving differences particularly related to skin color. Other early childhood classrooms in the building reported similar stories. When this social phenomenon was happening (January/February), another factor to consider was taking place. Historically, this is often the time in a school year when classrooms focus instructional attention on learning about the Civil Rights Movement, the abolition of slavery, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (content that should be incorporated all year long). There was question among staff about the developmentally appropriateness of the concentrated content being delivered and the alignment of the outcomes with the intended benchmarks for instruction. Again I wonder, is it possible that the more we focus on our differences, the more polarized we become? Mounk states, “in a growing number of schools all across America, educators who believe themselves to be fighting for racial Justice are separating children from each other on the basis of their skin color”. [3]
The Identity Trap by Yascha Mounk discusses potential problems with identity politics, highlighting its aptitude to exclude and polarize. The book offers a critical analysis of the contemporary political landscape, raising important questions about the balance between individual rights and collective identities. Mounk advocates for a more balanced approach that preserves individual rights and promotes a common purpose among diverse individuals. The author tackles the challenges and potential hazard associated with the growing emphasis on group identities in contemporary society. The book urges readers to critically examine the implications of an excessive focus on group identities, advocating for a balanced approach that preserves democratic values. By fostering nuanced dialogue and embracing the richness of individual identities, Mounk suggests a path forward that acknowledges the importance of addressing historical injustices while avoiding the pitfalls of an identity trap. He states, “We all have a moral duty to listen to the stories of our compatriots very carefully.” [4]
As we read, we see that these challenges extend themselves into even the youngest members of society. . . kindergarteners. While I would like to respond with, “why can’t we just all love one another, as Jesus first loved us”, I realize that there is much work to be done as we strive towards what is ahead, a dream of the coming King as penned by Dr. King, “I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” [5]
[1] Mounk, Yascha, The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time. (New York: Penguin Press, 2023), 16.
[2] Ibid,16.
[3] Ibid,1.
[4] Ibid, 213.
[5] King, Dr. Martin Luther. “I Have a Dream.” August 28, 1963. Lincoln Memorial; Washington, D.C.(16:05) https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm; (Isaiah 40:4-5 KJV)
About the Author
Cathy Glei
Cathy Glei serves as an instructional leader and pastor with over 27 years in education and ministry. She is dedicated to discipling others as they grow in their relationship with God, others and the world. Cathy has facilitated numerous professional development sessions, trainings, and workshops in both education and ministry. Passionate about supporting others in uncovering the Creator's design within them, Cathy lives in Michigan with her husband, Steve, and their eight-year-old Springer Spaniel, Otis. Cathy is a mother of three daughters and "Gooma" (grandma) to two adorable grandsons (emphasis on adorable 😊). She enjoys listening and exchanging laughter and stories with others, hanging out with friends, both old and new, as well as being outdoors, enjoying activities such as cycling, camping, hiking, and kayaking.7 responses to “All Flesh Shall See It Together”
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Hi Cathy,
As this discussion proceeds (in the Blogspots), my mind hearkened to Dr. Clarks statement, “The Christian is called to be incorporated into the body of Christ, the Church, where the Church is not a political space, nor is it a ‘no’ space, but the only true ‘third space’. It is constituted as all other social realities are by imagined practices. But where the story for its imagination of human nature and purpose are radically different.
This year I am hosting an Immigration Symposium where Texas churches will be separated on their take on Immigration. My prayer is that we as believers/churches will occupy that THIRD SPACE. Where we can view both sides of the argument and respond in love with a Christ response.
Shalom..
Russell,
As I have heard you share about this opportunity, I join you in prayer that the believers present will occupy the third space. Thank you for your work on behalf of immigrants.
Hi, Cathy,
As you mentioned your experiences with children at an early age, I was reminded of a young African family that came to our area about three years ago. Their girls were five and seven. Time and time again, they would come home to their mom with what children would say about them, whether it was about their braids or about their skin color. These were two beautiful and very well-dressed little girls since both parents worked in the realm of government. These girls have such Godly parents who don’t allow them to see themselves as victims. Over the last few years, both girls have become such strong little forces and are quite the little leaders continuing to pray for those who aren’t as kind to them.
I love to hear stories like this of kids empowered to not see themselves as victims, but like Jesus in humility pray for those who persecute them. Thank you for sharing that story.
Cathy,
Thank you for sharing your observations as an educator. This brought up some memories from when my children attended an international school in which attempts to integrate students of different races, nationalities, and linguist abilities were forced, lunch room habits challenged, and different grading systems and standards were applied. I’m not sure their experience being the minority group is directly applicable to the ideology we read about this week, but your story and my children’s experience highlight the influential and challenging job teachers have in helping children learn, but also develop the skills of becoming caring, compassionate, and socially aware human beings as they move through their academic years. What gives you hope in your school and profession as an educator? Thank you for all you do for your students!
What gives me hope is that there are staff who love and accept their students. They desire to do what is best, try some things, succeed or fail, and then come back to collaborate to try something else. The collective collaboration and teamwork that it takes to educate a child brings me hope.
Hello Cathy!
Your writing has provided me with a deeper understanding of the real-life context of segregation, a phenomenon that has persisted since kindergarten age. It is a brilliant reflection that guides us to avoid the trap of identity synthesis as articulated by Mounk.
In your perspective, what strategic steps can be taken to prevent young children from falling into identity traps? How can the church play a positive role in impacting this?