An example of white supremacy in a newspaper article
White supremacy is the belief that white people are better than those of other races, making it a type of racism. It also includes actions that prevent other races from gaining power, which is known as white privilege, preserving that power for white people. The basis of white supremacy is the former erroneous belief that significant biological differences existed between people of different races. Although this belief focused heavily on the so-called Black inferiority in and around the slavery era, white supremacy historically and currently oppresses people of many races around the globe, especially indigenous peoples. Furthermore, definitions of who qualifies as white can vary.
This type of racism paved the way for racist hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), the attempt by the self-named Confederate States of America to secede from the Union, and various race riots or massacres, including that in Greenwood, Oklahoma. White supremacy has also been solidified in American legislature through laws such as those preventing Black people from owning property, voting, holding office, and marrying (either at all or those of other races). In the 20th century, Jim Crow laws, which forced racial segregation, upheld the ideology of white supremacy. While laws have changed, institutions and individuals can still promote white supremacy up to and including racist violence.
This idea is closely related to white nationalism, in which being white becomes an identity. Supporters of white nationalism may endorse overthrowing the government to uphold their power. Overlap also exists between white supremacy and racist skinheads who discriminate against Jewish people. Some Christian beliefs and doctrines also align with white supremacy. White (male) supremacy can play a role in domestic terrorism incidents such as shootings like the one in Buffalo, New York.
While Donald Trump was president, this movement gained popularity, with as many as 600 groups currently existing in the United States, members of which typically supported Trump.
Although there is disagreement about how we can dismantle white supremacy, some white supremacists eventually see the error of their ways.
All of our articles, exhibits, and events about white supremacy can be found in the archive below.
Posts Tagged ‘White Supremacy’
Neo-Confederates worked with other far-right groups in failed efforts to preserve monuments
A coalition of neo-Confederate groups protesting the removal of Confederate monuments include a man with simultaneous membership in Sons of Confederate Veterans and League of the South (LOS), and at least one person who attended the rally at the Capitol in Washington DC on 6 January, which turned into an attack on the building.
Read MoreOpinion: The cold truth about Republicans’ hot air over critical race theory
Christopher Rufo, a clever propagandist who has done more than anyone else to whip up the national uproar over critical race theory, tweeted out in March an explanation of how he was redefining the term.
Read MoreWhy History Museums Are Convening a ‘Civic Season’
The Smithsonian Institute’s American History Museum decided to re-create the training experience of the nonviolent direct action workshops like those Reverend James Lawson had begun in 1959 in Nashville where he taught Ghandian tactics to eventual movement leaders like John Lewis and Diane Nash. Read about how complicated histories can be exhibited in museums in new, highly engaging ways and watch a 20 min. video of that play and audience participation.
Read MoreTop UNC-Chapel Hill Candidate Turns Down Job Because the University Chose White Supremacy Over Nikole Hannah-Jones
It looks like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is finding out the hard way that bending to white fragility can come at a cost.
Read MoreThe Enemy Within
Over a decade after the FBI first issued its warning, American police departments remain an attractive option for white supremacists seeking work.
Read MoreEfforts to Ban White Supremacists From Joining Law Enforcement Face Pushback in Several States. I Wonder Why
The Capital Riot has resulted in multiple state legislatures introducing bills that would prevent members of hate groups from joining law enforcement. What should be a straightforward process has instead faced pushback from lawmakers and law enforcement alike.
Read MoreWho Benefits From Watching Black Trauma on Screen?
What will it take for Black girls to exist as children on and off screen, without making them into adults to justify violence against them?
Read MoreBones of Black children killed in police bombing used in Ivy League anthropology course
Remains of those killed in 1985 Move bombing in Philadelphia serve as ‘case study’ in Princeton-backed course.
Read MoreWhy Do Blacks Have a ‘Victim Mentality?’ and Other Questions From an Ohio School’s White History Assignment
A 96% white high school in Waverly, Ohio teaches children “How to be a pro racist”. During this lesson, kids watch a video and are asked to interpret “What do you think motivates many Blacks to make excuses?” among other racist questions.
Read MoreUS police and public officials donated to Kyle Rittenhouse, data breach reveals
A data breach revealed that US police and public officials donated to Kyle Rittenhouse’s defense fund. Rittenhouse stands accused of murdering two protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
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