We imitate and we desire what others desire, but, armed with the knowledge of mimesis and inspired by the example of Jesus, we can substitute cooperation for rivalry. We can share instead of monopolise. We can affirm instead of defame. If we choose Jesus as our model, there will be no place for rejection, revenge or victimisation. Like Jesus, we will be able forgive, reconcile and include.
Racism damages both the perpetrator and the victim.
Positive affirmation of each other is the way to value diversity, to transcend differences and to acknowledge that we belong to each other. The imitation of Christ is the way forward. This way forward is not without its pitfalls. In their imitation of Jesus, victims would have to avoid both submission to abuse and scapegoating their aggressors. Victimisers, in turn, would need to root out the violence which they may model on a mistakenly violent God and replace it by imitation of a God who opted for the poor, the weak, the little ones .