Last week, Venus and Serena Williams were doing what they normally do at Wimbledon — taking names and kicking butt. Ridiculously discounted and overshadowed by unproven tennis talent, the champions got busy showing and proving why they should always be on the center court when playing at Wimbledon. In the midst of this tournament, the sisters were asked about the current election campaign. While they admitted to being excited about Barack Obama’s candidacy, they stated that they would not be voting because of their religious beliefs. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, they do not vote and stay “neutral” on these matters.
Jehovah’s Witnesses? Although I knew that they had been raised as followers, I was shocked that they still claimed to follow the religion, based on behaviors that in my limited knowledge of this religion do not reflect the beliefs or ideology of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Flashy and sexy clothing? Multiple boyfriends, none of whom are Jehovah’s Witnesses? I know that the religion is complex, but these are clear examples of discarding standard practices.
One of the freedoms that we enjoy in America is the ability to pick and choose the extent to which we will follow a religion. We get to practice our religion any which way we choose. This is one of the things that set us apart from other countries, and one of the reasons why other countries do not take us seriously. We pick and choose when and what we stand for when we want. This type of hypocrisy is why many people do not trust or relate to folks that are committed followers of whatever religion that they claim to follow.
While I understand the right to choose which tenets of a religion to follow, I find it disturbing when two young, dynamic African-American women, choose not to vote, based on a religion, that they clearly do not follow, at least in its totality. This arrogance and narcissism flies in the face of the great strides that were undertaken by African-Americans and women so that all people would have the right to vote in this country. Can you imagine what tennis would look like if legends Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe or Billie Jean King had stayed neutral? It is a good thing that black folks and women decided not to be neutral when these two young women and their father were under attack by the media.
What I find most interesting is that people often assume that remaining “neutral” means that they are not making a statement, when in fact, the opposite is true. Saying nothing and doing nothing often speak volumes in various situations. The idea that not saying anything or doing anything, like voting, is a neutral act is a false one. I am all for doing or not doing something when it is related to a religion to which one is committed. However, I have serious problems with folks who lean on religion only when it is beneficial to them. Is it even possible to be religiously neutral? Does that not defeat the whole point of religious doctrines?
I acknowledge that the Williams sisters are young and of a different generation than me. As one who works closely with young people, I find that they have a keen ability to operate in the world thinking exclusively of themselves, in spite of other wonderful talents and qualities that they may have. There is a sense of entitlement that is pervasive in multiple youth populations, so many do not understand or accept the fact that they are part of a historical legacy that requires certain behaviors. If you are African-American and female, it is unacceptable to not vote, whether you are a celebrity or not, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu or what have you. Thinking that it is all right is not cool. As young people, you are not entitled to brush off voting when you have clearly benefited from those who voted before you. Like their “Generation Me” counterparts, the Williams sisters need to understand that many sacrifices and strides were made so that they could be competing at Wimbledon, so they too may need to sacrifice something, so that change can occur. I’m not talking about voting for Obama — I’m talking about voting, period. I’m not that much older than them, but even I understand that.
Religion and politics frequently do not mix. I often find myself thinking why people even try to muddy religion with politics, which is mired in corruption. I also understand that when the system works, it far outweighs the shady parts of politics, like winning the right to become equal citizens and to vote. When picking and choosing which tenets of your religion to follow, I would suggest being mindful because you just might vote yourself out by not voting.
Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Studies at Goucher College and Editorial Director for RushmoreDrive.com.
This article appears in Jul 9-15, 2008.
