Today, I sat down for coffee with a pastor who had moved from Las Vegas to become the first Black pastor at a conservative church in North Dakota. His journey was significant—not just because of his new role, but because of what it revealed about the community around him. He shared experiences that mirrored my own: the people here are simply people. They are kind, welcoming, and, contrary to popular belief, not particularly racist. I’m not one to put too much stock in superstitions, but I’ll knock on wood just in case.

This conversation reinforced a theory I’ve held for some time—most, if not all, racism stems from insecurity, both personal and cultural. When individuals or entire societies feel secure in their identity and history, they are far less likely to react defensively or aggressively toward those who are different from them. In contrast, when there is insecurity—when people feel uncertain about their place in the world—fear manifests as hostility.

Cultural Security and Racial Tolerance

Research supports the idea that cultural security reduces prejudice. A study by Duckitt (2001) on insecurity and prejudice found that individuals who feel uncertain about their social or economic standing are more prone to discriminatory beliefs. Similarly, The Roots of Racial Prejudice: Psychological and Sociological Perspectives (Sidanius & Pratto, 2001) discusses how cultural confidence correlates with greater openness to diversity.

In North Dakota, the overwhelming majority of people are of Norwegian and Germanic descent. Many are farmers and hold conservative values. Their cultural foundation is strong; they have a clear sense of who they are and where they come from. Because of this, they don’t perceive outsiders as a threat. Instead, they extend a natural hospitality to those who come from different backgrounds. Their security in their identity allows them to approach others with openness rather than suspicion.

Urban Stress and Social Conflict

Interestingly, the racial and cultural dynamics of the U.S. have shifted over time. Decades ago, rural areas were often seen as the epicenters of discrimination, whereas urban centers were considered more inclusive. Today, however, larger cities have become the places where racial and cultural tensions seem to be more pronounced. This, I believe, is linked to cultural insecurity.

Economic pressure and social fragmentation play a role in this shift. As detailed in Bowling Alone (Putnam, 2000), reduced community engagement leads to less social cohesion, making urban populations more prone to conflict. The Pew Research Center also reports that financial instability disproportionately affects minority communities, increasing stress and reducing tolerance (Pew, 2019).

Building Cultural and Emotional Resilience

What we need, then, is greater cultural, emotional, and social resilience. This resilience is not something that appears overnight—it must be cultivated. It develops when we create environments that encourage learning about one another, spaces where people can reflect on their values and those of others. The more we engage in these practices, the more secure we become—not just as individuals, but as communities. And when we are secure, we can truly grow—no matter where we are or where we come from.

Helpful Resources

Search Keywords to Find Similar Topics:

• Black pastors in conservative churches
• Race and cultural security
• Rural vs. urban racial dynamics
• North Dakota Black community
• Cultural identity and racism
• Social cohesion and race relations
• Emotional and social resilience

Meta Description:

“A compelling discussion on race, cultural security, and urban vs. rural dynamics. Two Black men share experiences in North Dakota, challenging common assumptions about racism and community acceptance.”

Helpful Links and Citations:

• Pew Research Center: Racial & Cultural Trends
• Brookings Institute: The Changing Face of Rural & Urban Racial Dynamics
• Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.
• Duckitt, J. (2001). Insecurity and Prejudice: The Relationship Between Cultural Fear and Discrimination.
• Sidanius, J., & Pratto, F. (2001). The Roots of Racial Prejudice: Psychological and Sociological Perspectives.