racism and sexism

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys, I am enjoying this post. I know that I always go off on tangents and I don’t want to hijack this thread or cause it to be locked but I do want to add one thing:

2 Corinthians 6:17 (King James Version)

17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

The world is full of racism, sexism and hate in general. If we are to be received by the Lord, we have to come out from the world. I have really noticed that talk radio, televisions “news” broadcasting etc. has become just hate speech disguised as “news”. I once called a local radio station to complain about inaccurate news reporting and hate speech by the talk show host. I was informed that the host wasn’t even a journalist and had NO legal or moral obligation to accurately report the news events, he could just make stuff up. I grew up in the 60s and 70s where journalistic integrity was paramount and accurate, unbiased news reporting was the standard of excellence. Those days are gone. I now get most of my news off of the internet and have to double check my sources and do a little of my own research. Talk radio is out (except for a very few programs).

I want all Saints to come out of the world and just stop listening to “hate radio” or hate TV. Buy some good books and music and read your news from reputable sources. Watch out for advertisers who sponsor some of this junk radio, they are selling you payday loans, botox and junk you don’t need. I know too many people who listen to this junk for two or more hours per day. They are starting to become paranoid yet they can’t take positive actions because they don’t have the correct information. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I am completely tired of the racism, sexism and viscious social surveillance (gossip, cliques) that is inherent in Mormon culture as well!

The woman who said she did not believe in education because it causes people to “get liberal ideas” is nuts and if she doesn’t believe in education, then she doesn’t believe in what the church teaches, because we are taught to get all the education we can. That is certainly what I did and what I am teaching my children AND especially my daughter.

There is nothing wrong with being an LDS feminist. I applaud you for seeking to work on racsim in society. I do not think you are alone in the church, caring about racism. Maybe you feel alone in your area, but worldwide I don’t see that. However, I can tell you a few stories my missionary son has told me that support your claims of racism in the church. When my son was in the MTC learning Spanish, he and his group were doing their assigned cleaning duties. Some of the other missionaries were complaining about having to clean, and one said something like, “They just want us to know what it’s like to do meanial jobs like the Mexicans.” My son was SO MAD. And this is a missionary sent out to teach Mexicans and he feels this way? Also, my son’s latest companion OFTEN said the “N” word, which about made my son go through the roof. Of course there are members of the church that are racist but we cannot expect church members to be perfect. This should not be because we SHOULD know better.

I would report the teacher that outlined scriptural refrences linking Obama to the anti-Christ. That’s ridiculous and completely wrong.

I can see why you are tired of being associated with people who can be so hateful to each other, who tear women down and who TRY to castigate anyone who dares to disagree. At the same time, I know all members of the church are not like this. I also firmly believe that our prophet and apostles are aware of these types of situations and if you listen to their talks in general conference, you will not find any encouragement or support to this kind of behavior. The church NEEDS people like yourself to speak the voice of reason on these issues! I also see you as a great role model for young women. I would LOVE for my daughter to associate with you. Truly. The scriptures are on your side.

The church needs people like my son. I’m so proud of him. Do you know what he did? Those other missionaries were constantly saying racists things about Mexicans. He talked to his Branch President about it because it made him so upset. That Branch President was not pleased and had a discussion with the missionaries about how wrong that is! We need good people in the church to stand up and defend their brothers and sisters. What I’m saying is, the church would be much less without you. The question is…how can you stand up and be strong without losing your mind? LOL That’s what I’m trying to answer myself. I think the answer is to be found in the enabling power of Christ. We need to tap into it more.

[Anonymous]

Hi Daisy,

I am so proud of your son! That must have been really hard for him to take a stand, but what blessings will come to his area if they work to eradicate racism. I think that is a real problem with missionaries, especially those from Utah (in my experience, which I won’t go into here). My children behave in the same kinds of ways as your son and I really do hope that the future of the church will be more inclusive because their generation (more than in the past) seems to embrace diversity.

There are a lot of Mormon feminists, in fact, I think way more than would admit it due to the misunderstandings of feminism in the media. I find great strength in their stories. You would love the book I recommended, there are some awesome women from all walks of life, but very inspiring feminists as well. Two of my “favorite” Mormon feminists are Laurel Thatcher Ulrich and Claudia Bushman. There is a link to a great interview with Bushman on the front page of Staylds.com (009: Claudia Bushman, Women in the LDS Church) for some reason I could not pull up the link, but listen for her take on the organizational aspects of the church, I think you will really like it! There is an awesome back story about her and Ulrich, if you are interested in knowing more about them just pm me. Thanks again for your encouraging words!

[Anonymous]

Having lived in Mississippi I agree that racism is alive and well in LDS culture, it was shocking to me too. I really admire you doing right by your kids and standing up for feminists. I hope that more people like you stand up against inequalities that permeate our culture. I like to think of bigots as disabled, it helps me not get so angry, I think” no of course you don’t understand we are all just folks your disabled”, that way I don’t shoot my mouth off and stoop down to their level. Same thing for leaders who don’t bother to ask about my career or education after they ask about my husbands I think “they are not being sexist assuming I’m uneducated they are just disabled and it doesnt occur to them its a possibility”.

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