The Representation I want and need
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Photo by Sparsh Paliwal on Unsplash |
We often hear the call for representation in our culture – a valid desire to see ourselves and our experiences reflected in the stories we consume and the world around us. Yet, I've often found myself pondering the depth of this representation and whether our current cultural understanding truly satisfies the longing of the human heart.
It strikes me that our culture, while often championing the cause of representation with good intentions, frequently stumbles in its execution. The implementation often feels superficial, a mere box-ticking exercise that ultimately falls short of genuine connection. Tragically, due to our inherent flaws, this shallow approach to great ideas can even inadvertently reinforce the very social ills it was meant to combat.
This superficiality becomes particularly apparent when I consider the characters and stories that truly resonate with me. If I were to limit my understanding of representation to the ideals currently championed by mainstream culture, I would miss out on profound connections. I would never see a reflection of my own active imagination in the little 9-year-old girl who discovers magical doors in "The Ten Thousand Doors of January." I would fail to connect with the unwavering conviction of Robert Jordan fighting for his beliefs in "For Whom The Bell Tolls." And the introspective journey of Stephen Dedalus in "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" would remain foreign to me. These characters, so different from me on the surface, speak to something deeper within – a shared humanity, a kindred spirit, a similar struggle or passion.
This brings me to a point that transcends even these powerful literary connections. If I were to abide by the culturally accepted standards of representation, I would never be able to fully identify with God the Son, Jesus Christ, my Redeemer! Think about it. It was through God the Son's incredible act of condescension, becoming fully human, that His Spirit bridged the gap and allowed me to connect with Him at the level my soul truly craves: at the heart level. This isn't a representation based on shared skin color or political ideology; it's a profound identification rooted in love, empathy, and shared human experience.
Ultimately, the representation I want and need isn't found at the surface level of skin or ideology. That, I believe, is a cheap imitation of the deep resonance my heart truly longs for. It is only through the humility that the Gospel of Grace can cultivate within the human heart – a humility that allows us to consider all of reality beyond superficial cultural preferences – that we can truly connect at the level we yearn for. It is there, in that space of grace and humility, that we can find the Representation we truly want and need.
-AV
Reflection Questions for You:
1. Have you ever found yourself deeply connecting with a character or historical figure who, on the surface, seemed very different from you? What do you think allowed for that connection?
2. In what ways might a focus on superficial representation hinder our ability to understand and empathize with others on a deeper, more human level?
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