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’
Animated Frederick Douglass calls slavery a ‘compromise’ in conservative group’s video
PragerU, a right-wing advocacy group, created an extremely inaccurate and offensive video concerning slavery meant for classroom usage.
Read MoreBoston man files lawsuit seeking to bankrupt white supremacist group he says assaulted him
A Black man beat with metal shields by a white supremacist group during a march through Boston last year sued the organization on Tuesday.
Read MoreBrawl erupts in Montgomery after white boaters attack Black city worker
Multiple people were arrested in Montgomery, AL after a fight broke out between a group of white men and an innocent Black worker on the city’s riverfront.
Read MoreLawsuit seeking reparations for Tulsa Race Massacre is dismissed
A lawsuit seeking reparations to address historical damage done by the 1921 Tulsa Massacre has been dismissed, as the survivors failed to provide proof of “individualized injury.”
Read MoreFort Polk to be renamed Fort Johnson to honor World War I hero
The US Army will rename Louisiana’s Fort Polk military base to strip the Confederate leader of the tribute and honor a Black WWI soldier, Sgt. Henry Johnson.
Read MoreJan. 6 response would have been ‘vastly different’ if rioters were Black, House sergeant at arms told investigators
The act of domestic terrorism on January 6th and the leniency afforded members of the mob are the definition of white privilege.
Read MoreTexas teacher who told Black students his race is ‘superior’ is no longer employed
One Texas middle school teacher is without a job for admitting to thinking that white people are superior to others on social media.
Read MorePenn State cancels Proud Boys founder’s speech, citing the threat of violence
After backlash, Penn State has rescinded an invite to Gavin McInnes, the founder of the Proud Boys who was slotted to speak at the school.
Read MoreAlabama sidesteps compensation for survivor of ’63 KKK blast
After the KKK bombed a Baptist church in Birmingham in 1963, Sarah Collins Rudolph lost her eye and sister. Yet her trauma remains ignored.
Read MoreHome Appraised With a Black Owner: $472,000. With a White Owner: $750,000.
A Baltimore home was appraised nearly $250,000 higher when the Black owners had a white compatriot stand in for them, causing them to sue.
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