Addressing Racist Comments: Understanding the Distinction Between White Supremacy and Coloniality of Power

In a recent exchange, a concern was raised regarding the notion that white people are forcing European standards on the world. This article aims to address such comments by clarifying the differences between white supremacy, colonialism, and the broader concept of the coloniality of power. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper discourse on racism and its varied manifestations.

Understanding the "Forcing" of European Standards

The comment suggests that white people are forcing European standards on the world, implying a monolithic European approach. However, it is important to recognize that people from non-European backgrounds often seek to live in European nations and North America due to the perceived benefits of their way of life.

The statement: I’d question the whole notion of “forcing” said standards when it is in fact non-Europeans fighting and clawing their way to get to various European nations as well as the USA and Canada. Why are they so eager to live with us where we do if they don’t think our way of life is better highlights a complex issue.

How Infamous Comments Fail to Convey Truth

Another perspective claims that comments like these are not racist but truthful. The argument posits that the It is the truth. The comment is not racist but truthful. The truth has a name: coloniality of power. suggests that the underlying issue might be coloniality of power rather than the more specific term white supremacy.

Coloniality of power refers to the ongoing systemic patterns of oppression and exploitation that extend beyond colonial times. It is a pervasive and complex system that operates in multiple domains, including economic, social, and cultural.

White Supremacy vs. Colonialism

White supremacy, on the other hand, is a form of racism that involves believing in the inherent superiority of white people over people of color. Colonialism, while harmful, does not necessarily equate to white supremacy.

The statement: No it isn’t. Colonialism is a bad thing too but it’s not “white supremacy”. correctly differentiates between these two concepts. Colonialism is a historical process, and while it had negative impacts, it does not automatically equate to white supremacy.

The argument also points out that White supremacy is a very specific form of racism. If you believe any positive cliches about other races you are racist but not white supremacist. If you loathe people from other parts of Europe you are racist but not white supremacist. Hitler was not a white supremacist because he divided white people into little groups and he loathed most of them. This highlights the nuanced nature of white supremacy, which involves a specific set of beliefs and actions.

Confronting Racist Comments with Truth and Reality

Responding to racist comments effectively often requires grounding the conversation in facts and reality. For instance, instead of dismissing the commenter, one can explain the nuances and complexities of the situation more clearly. The statement: You can’t tell him because because of his statement he probably won’t listen. underscores the challenge of changing minds through reasoning.

Another approach is to counter the narrative with arguments based on personal experiences and historical facts. For instance, one can point out that non-Europeans often seek to live in Europe and North America due to the perceived benefits of their way of life. The comment: Tell him that he is a “cracker!” St. George Floyd the FAKE the new patron saint of Fentanyl will be watching him closely! can be seen as an aggressive and counterproductive way to address the issue.

On the other hand, a more productive response might be: It’s not racist it’s just economically naive. Ask some friends in Jamaica about the evil empire and drink a stripe at a bar with a Coca-Cola sign out front. This statement addresses the economic motivations behind why people might seek to live in or interact with European nations and suggests that the issue might be more about economic benefits rather than racial supremacy.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances between white supremacy and coloniality of power is crucial for addressing comments that may be rooted in harmful ideologies. Recognizing the complexities and avoiding oversimplified labels helps in fostering a more productive and informed discussion about racism and its impacts.

By approaching such comments with knowledge and clarity, we can contribute to a more inclusive and respectful discourse.