The shooting by Kenosha Police of unarmed Jacob Blake has intensified protests around the country concerning systematic racism. New rules on policing are a top priority. Some protesters in Kenosha destroyed property. This was denounced by the Blake family.
Support of Black Lives Matter by the white community lends hope to change. Data shows that the public supports policy changes in policing. Of course, there is opposition to change and there is a national administration that is in denial about racism and actually foments violence. “Milwaukee-area protesters believe their demonstrations have provided the necessary push for several policy changes.” (MJS, Ricardo Torres, Sunday, September 6, p. 6A)
But is systemic change enough? Eventually the majority will agree. Those in power will recognize the crucial importance of consumers for mass production products, of the role low level workers, and of the necessity of peace to maintain the capitalist power structure. But again, is this enough? How do we affirm the dignity of all human beings? “All are created in the image and likeness of God.” The answer lies in looking beyond polling data and a pragmatic approach. Is there more than opinion data and dogmatizing that what works is good?
There are other ways. Let’s attempt to ‘de-mystify’ the mystics, and propose that it’s more than just me and God, and look to gaining salvation and joy with a community response.
Mystics in the 14th Century, such as Meister Eckert, O.P. and the Beguines, look to four components in the attempt to achieve change with joy and salvation. The Beguines were lay women in service to the community, such as nurses and theologians, such as Marguerite Porete who was burned at the stake by the Inquisition. Both Eckert and the Beguines were condemned by Avignon Pope, John XXII. The four components they proposed relate to Aristotle’s four causes of all that is. These are: matter, form, efficient cause and final cause. Since we are beyond polling data and pragmatism we need to avoid reifying myths, but respect the truth revealed by myths. The four components of the mystics are:
Via
negativa, privation, lack of justice, with potential for something new. This would be Aristotle’s ‘matter’. It is community awareness of injustice,
and the lack of respect for the dignity of all people.
Via
positiva, awareness of justice – the dignity of the person, Aristotle’s ‘form.’
Via creativa, the community political action to produce change, Aristotle’s ‘efficient cause,’
Via transformativa, the goal of change – a just society, salvation and joy, Aristotle’s ‘final cause.’
These four paths are ways to accomplish change and form a society that respects the dignity of the person and affirms that people are created in the image and likeness of God.
The tragic shooting of Jacob Blake took place in a small town in Wisconsin demonstrating that racism is a national issue and not isolated in metropolitan areas. The city was an important southern port for Wisconsin before the loss of manufacturing in that area. Kenosha is in the process of salvation and restoration. The name Kenosha is a Native American term for a large Lake Michigan fish – in English called - Pike. Nature was generous to the community. The good life was there and it has the potential to be restored in a new form.
What is the history of racism and bigotry in Kenosha? A friend of mine for many years, an 89 year old woman who grew up in Kenosha, said, “I remember they picked on us when I was a kid in school. I was called a ‘dago.’ They made fun of our parents. I understand what it’s like. It’s got to stop. We must have Christian Faith and Hope. We can’t just lie down and quit, otherwise we are nothing.”
Already there are discussions about racism in Kenosha and they need to continue. The horror of seeing a young man shot in the back seven times moves everyone. The negative situation exploded emotions of anger but also compassion. Those most injured reject violence and look for justice. Ms. Julia Jackson, Jacob Blake’s mother, was quoted in the Sunday paper (M.J.S. Sunday, August 30, 2020, p.4D).
“To all of the Police officers: I am praying
for you and your families. To all of the citizens, my black and brown sisters and brothers: I am praying for
you. I believe that you are intelligent beings
just like the rest of us. Everybody: Let’s use our hearts, our love and our intelligence
to work together, to show the rest of the world how humans are supposed to
treat each other. America is great when
we behave greatly.”
Jacob Blake’s mother’s words are prophetic. She looks to a community solution, as opposed to an ‘us vs. them’ negotiation based on power. We need to listen and heed her words.
For a better understanding of the original meaning of the “FOUR PATHS” see Matthew Fox,
Original Blessing, Bear & Co. Santa Fe, NM, 1983. Sheer Joy, Harper, San Francisco,1992.
The Tao of St. Thomas Aquinas, Universe, Bloomington, IN, 2020
