Is White Supremacy A Threat To America?
In the recent past, it has been easy to assume white supremacy is a fringe idea that may have had prominence in America’s checkered past but is no longer a threat. This perception feels naive now. The days of the Ku Klux Klan marching down Main Street may be over, but now they are hiding in plain sight. Those who once wore hoods and robes now carry torches on college campuses and show their faces, while everyone around them has a hi-def recording device in their hands and instant access to the internet. No more shame. No more Hiding. But, is it harmless cosplay? Or, has white supremacy become a threat again?
Photo courtesy of Mier Chen
Yes, white supremacy is a threat to America. White supremacy is a belief that white people are inherently superior to people of other races and ethnicities, and that they should have dominance and control over them. This ideology has been used throughout history to justify the oppression and subjugation of non-white people, and it continues to fuel racism, discrimination, and violence in the United States today.
White supremacist groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazi organizations, promote hateful and extremist ideologies that can lead to acts of violence against people of color, religious minorities, and other marginalized groups. These groups have been responsible for numerous hate crimes and acts of terrorism, including the 2017 Charlottesville rally and the 2019 El Paso shooting.
Furthermore, white supremacy is not only perpetrated by extremist groups, but it is also deeply embedded in the cultural and institutional systems of the United States. Systemic racism, including discriminatory policies and practices in housing, education, employment, and the criminal justice system, has perpetuated inequality and social injustice for generations.
Therefore, it is important for individuals, communities, and institutions to recognize the threat of white supremacy and take action to confront and dismantle it. This includes promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, educating people about the harms of racism and discrimination, and advocating for policies and practices that promote equality and justice for all.
Photo courtesy of Hrt + Soul Design
Are White Supremicists Terrorists?
Yes, white supremacists can be classified as terrorists. Terrorism is defined as the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims, and white supremacists have been known to use violence and intimidation to further their goals of promoting white supremacy and oppressing people of color and marginalized groups.
White supremacist terrorists have been responsible for numerous hate crimes and acts of violence, including the 2017 Charlottesville rally and the 2019 El Paso shooting. These attacks targeted innocent people based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics, and were intended to spread fear and terrorize entire communities.
Furthermore, white supremacist groups often promote extremist ideologies that can inspire individuals to commit acts of violence and terrorism on their own. These groups use propaganda, online forums, and other methods to recruit and radicalize individuals, and have been linked to a number of domestic terrorist incidents.
Therefore, it is important for law enforcement officials and policy makers to recognize the threat of white supremacist terrorism and take action to prevent and respond to these attacks. This includes monitoring and disrupting white supremacist groups, prosecuting individuals who commit hate crimes and acts of terrorism, and investing in efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in society.
