No, you read the headline correctly. I’m on Facebook minding my own business when this post pops up on my timeline. It reads
Needed: African American reader for church service
We are a large church with a 99% Caucasian congregation. We are looking to hire an African American who can read to do readings at our church services to show that we are diverse. We are willing to pay up to $10 a service and all the leftover donuts you can carry.
Must be able to read.
Must be African American.
No prior experience necessary.
Well, I suppose I have to give them credit for using the term African American rather than Negro in this year of our Lord 2018. Also, the lack of previous experience required is sure to be a relief to job seekers everywhere. Like you, I’m baffled AF by the audacity to post the ad and the seriousness of it. I have more questions than answers at this point, such as:
-
- Is there a specific grade-level requirement for the selected reader?
- The ad says UP TO $10 PER service. What characteristics would qualify one to earn this illustrious amount of money?
- Why is it only $10 a service? If this is a large church, can’t you give the selected candidate at least $25 a service? I’m pretty sure that’s what Jesus would do.
- Does one need to be a local reader? Can the potential token reader Skype in their reading?
- About the donuts: Are these Krispy Kreme, specialty bakery, or generic store brand?
- Again, on the donuts: Is it as many as they can carry at one time? Multiple trips? Will they be allowed to carry them in multiple trips?
- Is the Token Black Reader reader required to remain for the entire service?
- Reading Style: Does the reader need to be proficient in African American Vernacular English (Ebonics) or will a riveting negro spiritual voice suffice?
- Will Token Black Reader need shuffle as well or is just reading sufficient?
- Does the Token Black Reader get their own microphone/headset/audio channel for such an esteemed role in this congregation?
- On Statistics: What size is your existing minority population that adding the Token Black Reader would be a statistically significant difference in your “diversity” efforts?
- Does anyone on the church staff have any Black friends? Don’t answer that. The posting of this add makes it clear you do not.
- Back to the donuts: Is this a every Sunday offering or once a month?
- Are the donuts “Whites Only” until after service? Why can’t the Token Black Reader have any before they become leftovers?
- Does the Token Black Reader have to join the church or can they just pop in between their own church services?
- How high do y’all think the probability is that in Scottsdale, AZ that there’s a large population of illiterate Black folks that y’all felt the need to specify literacy as a prerequisite?
- Finally, is this salary negotiable depending on experience?
Your 17 questions were soooo funny. Lmao. You are truly a gifted comedian I am white btw.
I’m an African American who moved to Phoenix 18 years ago and still resides in the area today. I used to live in Scottsdale not long ago. I’ve even attended a few ‘white’ churches in Scottsdale over the years. Also, I happen to be an 30 yr Human Resources professional who has done a lot of recruitment which includes placing some craigslist ads. My take: I don’t believe this is a real ad or a real church. I think the person who posted this ad did so as a sick joke and was looking to get a reaction. Mission accomplished.
The audacity…and ignorance.
What church is this? I am a newish Scottsdale resident. I am not religious but I used to be. These types of things are what drive people away from it. I would like to visit my “neighbor” to address this.
Will you provide a link to thiscad please?
Which church? Where is the link?
I am astonished that someone actually posted this anywhere. However, your commentary and the subsequent questions you pose were both on target as well as hilarious. Keep up the great work!
Am i dreaming? Or have i just went
Through a Time Machine!
My mind is Exhausted from trying
To come up with Applusable excuse
For an ridiculous Experience Or Just
Pure Uproarious Ignorance. Especially
From white people! I don’t know what
To Think or feel at this point. As an
African American and A black person who lives in the United States.
I as Applaud and Insulted.
How would you feel? I thought that
We as Americans living and working
In this social …Society that we had
Gotten further then this. Never can
I remember to be caught off guard.
I just wasn’t prepared for this Slur.
My first response was just to kneel
Down and start praying. My second
Reaction was to just laught it off
As a joke. I looked at my watch to
See if it was April fool day! LOL
But i feel things like this set us
Back 50 years in race relations.
If i had more time i would respond
To this or give it more attention.
I would want our Academic
Community to sign in on this with
Opinions and a Commentary
That i might gain a respectable
Understanding of this proposal
From a White Prominent. & respectful
Clergy and Church Congregation.
Here is my request to the owner
Or Publisher..please email me
To let me know this was not
A joke. Here’s my email
benniechili@gmail.com
Phone # 203 – 507- 9880
https://i.makeagif.com/media/3-28-2015/p3ONGH.gif
I mean, who in that congregation thought THIS was a good idea?
Is there a link to the original Craigslist ad or church name please? I don’t doubt there are churches out there who pick people of color to read/lead so they can go, “Look how diverse we are!”, but that area is 90% commercial, 9% undeveloped, and maybe 1% residential. It’s a large outdoor commercial area called Desert Ridge Marketplace.
To me this smells like someone (not the author of the article bit the person that placed or made the ad) trolling.
Smh.. I just.. I mean.. I don’t have the words.
Exactly
What is the name of this church?
Truly, a question that needs an answer right now LOL
I wish to have a town meeting with the leaders
Of this Chrurh…just to have
A dialogue and a conversation …between us.
The meeting of you and your
Congregation members.
I am shocked…this Is the year of our Lord and Savior
And Jesus Christ.
Lord please help us
We are in tbe year 2018
Come on people!
If is a wake up Call.
A crying out of some kind
Of Reckoning of our differences or some kind
Of Mystery?????????????
All i tbink of is to just
Cry out help us!
My name is Bennie Morris
Email me..all who feel the
Same way. benniechili@gmail.com
Omg im literally in tears. I love your articles.
I discovered that this ad was on Craig’s list and has been blocked.