Marginalization, Part 4

Marginalization, Part 4

…the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them. Luke 7:22

There are certain categories of difference among people that few would argue are regular targets of marginalization today, including persons of color, LGBTQ+ folks, and those with obvious physical challenges. There are other traits with less obvious, more obscure, or intermittent impacts that may make them targets of occasional marginalization. There is also a seemingly unlikely group, a particularly vocal schism of which is claiming marginalization, which is the white, heterosexual male. This cross-section of humanity has arguably been the most powerful and privileged of any in history. As a member of this cohort, I cringe at the thought that any would suggest that we are among the oppressed and/or deserving of accommodation. There are important reasons, however, why I believe the complaints of this group have some basis in reality and should not be ignored.

Women, persons of color, those with non-heterosexual preferences, and many others find it obscenely audacious of such a group to consider itself marginalized in any sense. After all, this is the group that has made the rules, built and maintained the systems, and fought to retain the status quo that has caused the oppression of millions throughout the 248 year existence of this country. The most radical and vocal among them are labeled white supremacists, white nationalists, and are often purveyors of Christian Nationalism and other exclusionist worldviews, behaving as if they are heirs of some sort of divinely-bestowed superiority or inherent entitlement.

But there is an oft-overlooked difference between white, heterosexual men and most other marginalized groups, which has to do with where they’ve been. Most white, heterosexual males have actually experienced privilege, either for themselves or for the family in which they were raised. They either know or knew what it is/was to never experience food insecurity or wonder where they would sleep tonight. They know what it was like to have received higher wages for similar jobs, to be arrested and jailed at lower rates for similar crimes, and to have been able to live comfortably in any neighborhood they could afford. This slice of humanity is fighting to either retain or regain the benefits of privilege, while the marginalized others seek to gain something they’ve never had.

One of the self-satisfying benefits of privilege is knowing one is doing better than others. There is an arrogant sense of entitlement and personal superiority accompanying privilege that dissipates as the lives and lifestyles of others approach levels equal to or higher than theirs. Whether we believe certain of these men are actually being marginalized, we need to acknowledge that many of them believe it to be true and are acting accordingly. The fact is that greater numbers from this group are finding themselves un- or underemployed, on welfare, relying on food banks or other charities, and unable to secure healthcare and other services for themselves and their families. As glaring evidence of this, check out the rising numbers of homeless veterans. From their perspective, much has been unjustly taken from them and given to others, and they are not happy about it. If they did not perceive the primary redistribution of resources as being taken from their pockets and threatening their lifestyles, they might not be so angry. This combination of factors is particularly tenuous because it provides the exact conditions that breed terrorists. Donald Trump and his MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement finds much support from these folks, not because he is one of them, but because he offers (at least verbally) what they seek: revenge, retribution, and a return to the “good old days.” The violent actions at the nation’s Capitol on January 6, 2021, foreshadowed what some in this group are capable of.

The marginalization of many white, heterosexual men is a new challenge, regardless of whether one believes it to be legitimate. Of course, many other white, heterosexual males – those most responsible for the systems that determine the distribution of societal benefits – are prospering, with some seeing their wealth increase exponentially. These are the ones still in power and striving to distance themselves from the struggling masses they increasingly oppress. They are politicians, yes, but most operate in less visible roles as heads of businesses, banks, private equity firms, and political action committees (PACs) directing the actions that lead to the types of marginalization those of less influence now rail against.

A key element of marginalization is the perceived control one has over the trajectory of their life-experience. Most marginalized folks are starting low and striving for upward movement. Masses of white, heterosexual males perceive their life trajectory as on a downward slope, steadily descending because of forces beyond their control. It is a different manifestation of marginalization, but an increasingly important one to recognize and address.

This is the 23^rdin a series titled The New-Old Social Pandemic. The opinions expressed here are mine. To engage with me or to explore contemplative spiritual direction, contact me at ghildenbrand@sunflower.com.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin’s

Mass on the World

A Contemplative Audio-visual Experience

View at: https://youtu.be/m2EzRmZzCe0