All over the internet, a new question has arisen: is it “2+2=4” always true?

It might seem a very innocent and bubbling question if it was not upheld as a dangerous question by the “social justice warriors” against the “anti-SJWs”.

Quickly the affirmation of a Mathematical “truth” became the occasion for criticizing the alleged white, Western superiority in the field of science, and particularly Math.

The SJW positions can be summoned here:

• The idea of 2 + 2 equaling 4 is cultural because of western imperialism/colonization and now is thought to be the only way of knowing. 
• When a woman points out that 2+2 might bring some different results the patriarchy system sounds an alarm and then the troops come in to defend, belittle, or attack her.
• Two apples plus two oranges do not equal four apples and those supposedly universal standards which yield “2+2=4” are just preferences.
• Ethnic studies framework allows us to affirm that 2+2=5 because of our identities. Our sense of belonging affects our worldviews and the choices we make.
•  “2+2=5” is ok.

What’s the point?

From a mathematical point of view it’s possible using base 3 (using 0, 1, and 2) rather than base 10 to have a different outcome:

2+2=11.

But in this case, the numerical value of 4 and 11 is the same. We just express it with different symbols.

As a result of the Peano axioms, we have S(1)+ S(1) = S(3). 

Or S(S(0)) + S(S(0)) = S(S(S(S(0))))

The variation of axioms may lead to a different theory and meaning. 

For instance, there could be an axiom where 0 is NOT a natural number.

So the context is very important. Tho 2+2=4 is recognized pretty well by all cultures today, it’s not crazy to think differently. 

What is not accettable is that a mathematical outcome is exploited to hold a politica agenda, since the idea of the mathematical language is that of uniting people from differente races, genders, nationality, ethnicity, whatever… to convey some “truth”.

Shaun King, an American writer, and civil rights activist, in a crusaide against “white supremacy” recently suggested that all images and monuments that depict the “European” version of Jesus should be destroyed.

“They are a form of white supremacy,” King tweeted about the monuments. 

“Always have been,” King said. “In the Bible, when the family of Jesus wanted to hide, and blend in, guess where they went? EGYPT! Not Denmark. Tear them down.”

After comments about dismantling Jesus statues, Shaun King says he received death threats from “white Christians.” and added: “Christian whiteness has always been violent, though.”

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King stated that the monuments including Italy’s “Pietà”, a work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, were the body of Jesus lays on the lap of his mother Mary after the Crucifixion, are “tools of oppression.”

And finally: “All murals and stained glass windows of white Jesus, and his European mother, and their white friends should also come down. They are a gross form white supremacy. Created as tools of oppression. Racist propaganda. They should all come down.”

What’s the point?

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, in Europe, Jesus was depicted as a white man for cultural reason, often with blue eyes and blondish hair. Representation that had theological motives also correlating lightness, righteousness with purity and darkness with sin and evil.

The silence of the NT on Jesus’ skin color is critical to Christianity’s wide appeal with people of various ethnicities. In a world where race, ethnicity, diversity segments communities and even churches, the absence of Biblical depictions of Jesus can lead to a much more sense of unity then separation. Also, Revelation [7:9] says: “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb[…]”.

But like for Math now, for some political reason, the SJWs are thinking that in History and Art: 2+2 = Jesus.