Blacks Intergroup Forgiveness

Even though several instances indicate that Blacks have shown forgiveness (as a group), "decades of racism and oppression have created wounds for African and White Americans and [has] resulted in unresolved relationship dynamics". Thus, when one poses the colloquial question, “Do you think Blacks have forgiven Whites?” – many individuals are quick to respond with a claim that Blacks have not. However, this question is often answered without surveying Blacks deployment of intergroup forgiveness in prominent historical moments; this statement is often answered without considering the true implications of what forgiveness is (and the fact that it is not automatically passive); this statement is often answered without understanding the implications …show more content…
The idea that this is a widespread claim is validated by the results of a poll run on twitter (which was run prior to the participants gaining examples of Blacks’ intergroup forgiveness as professed in prominent historical moments or insight on how the representation of Blacks as change agents can reverse/erase horrid images of Blacks.) As a demonstration, the poll results indicate that prior to the presentation, 85% of people (out of 13 votes) believed that Black people have not forgiven Whites for their racial offenses; 86% of people (out of 7 votes) assume that White people cannot learn how to forgive by studying how Black people have forgiven them for their offenses; 62% of people believed that there will be heightened racial tension if Whites fail to understand and admit their wrongdoings or fail to offer intergroup apologies or reparations. Furthermore, when asked what would happen if Black people failed to forgive Whites – 55% of people (out of 11 votes) believed that Blacks would excel politically and financially, 45% believed that Black people would internalize oppression, and 0% believed that Blacks could suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome or lowered immune …show more content…
Forgiveness is often considered a strength because one’s natural inclination may be to hold grudges or lug their pains around. It takes more will power and determination to release pain than to hold on to it. On the other hand, several people are reluctant to forgive because the think when they forgive they are allowing their transgressors “off the hook”. Contrary to popular belief, forgiveness does not automatically entail "condoning, excusing, pardoning, [reconciling], or forgetting offenses…[instead,] Forgiveness brings the forgiver peace of mind and frees him or her from corrosive anger”. Comparatively, it is important to realize that in several instances of the black church – forgiveness does not equate to passivity, or the continuous allowance of injustice either. In fact, the tactics that have been used to counter attacks on blacks suggest that, “the ability to forgive has emerged as both an act of mercy and a tool against

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Blacks Intergroup Forgiveness

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