Is the recent unsettling in our nation (our world) carbonation or fermentation?

Carbonation adds bubbles to what exists already, but there is no real change in the substance of the beverage. But fermentation, there is a chemical change to what was. The change is lasting because the substance changed. As we engage conversations and protests, about racist ideas and racist policies, and as we talk about being anti-racist, there is a bit of me that fears the change will just be carbonation–lots of fizzes, but no substantive change. The other difference is that carbonation takes almost no time. Fermentation does. For our protest and work to transform, it means when the urgency of the moment fades, the real work begins. The slogging through. The remaining in discomfort intentionally so that lasting change can take place. At the same time as I hear people talking about race and anti-racism that I never would have dreamed of engaging in these conversations, I begin to hope that perhaps fermentation is taking place.

The grapes of injustice and oppression are fermenting into the wine of equity and justice. I want so desperately to be able to tell my friends, colleagues, and neighbors of color that things will change, that I will change. And yet, I fear stating that so boldly for fear that I will be giving seltzer instead of wine. I think lasting change comes through identifying specific ideas, behaviors, and policies that need to be addressed. I think embedding equity and justice into our future planning keeps things moving forward. I think it is important for white-led organizations, in humility, to take a step back and examine their structures and policies and make a change. These are fermenting practices -they require perseverance, persistence, and patience. At this moment we need to do the fermenting work so that when we look back, we can raise a glass to a new and more equitable, more just way of being.

*I heard the concept of the fermentation and carbonation analogy on a webinar with Andy Crouch and Chris Brooks. The analogy is Andy Crouch’s reflection and thoughts on it are mine. Click here to listen to the podcast.