African American
In reply to the discussion: Does anyone else get as tired of Hillary Clinton's "black church" photo ops as I do? [View all]MADem
(135,425 posts)don't want you as a member. And I am no fan of religion in politics or public governmental life, frankly. I don't like Invocations and Benedictions at military ceremonies, for example--I think they're just WRONG. But I also realize that some people like them, appreciate them, and expect them.
I've spent much of my life sticking out like a sore thumb. What can ya do? You can play the "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" game, or you can "Go Your Own Way!" (I really didn't intend to use song titles when I started typing that sentence--but I couldn't resist.) Or you can float between the two. I think the most important thing is to find your own community, your own CHEERS (where everybody knows your name--to carry on the song theme) and carve your own path, establish your own traditions, find the places where you feel at home and welcomed.
I had a very smart granmama who used to say "Go where you're celebrated, not where you're tolerated." I think it's good advice. This is also good advice: someone can only look down on you if you put yourself below them.
Don't worry about what "they" do. They're not gonna stop doing it, anyway! At least not until they cease to get something out of it.
Find your own joy. The best revenge is living well, and being happy.