Persistent Racism and White Supremacy in the United States

The Persistent Echoes of Racism and White Supremacy: An Analysis of Historical and Contemporary Issues

Introduction

The United States is often seen as a land of opportunity and equality, but the persistence of racism and white supremacy continues to challenge these ideals. This article aims to explore the roots and ongoing impact of these issues, drawing on historical and contemporary evidence to address why they remain entrenched in society.

The Historical Context: A Reflection on Institutional and Systemic Racism

The systemic nature of racism and white supremacy in the U.S. is deeply rooted in history. For over 50 years, starting from the 1960s, various efforts were made to address these issues, yet the problem seems to have worsened in some ways. This section will examine the historical context of racism and how it continues to manifest in modern times.

For instance, prior to the 1960s, Black families had lower rates of divorce and out-of-wedlock births compared to today. In 1940, the divorce rate for Black families was significantly lower, and even lower in the case of unwed mothers. However, today, seven out of ten Black children are born out of wedlock without a father at home. Many argue that these changes could be attributed to deeper systemic issues that have persisted despite efforts to address them.

These issues are often linked to a broader socio-economic construct known as white supremacy. White supremacists create a false sense of racial superiority, which is used to justify the theft of material possessions through acts of violence and terror. This belief system is deeply ingrained and leads to conflicts on personal, societal, and international levels, often perpetuating the cycles of violence and inequality.

The Vicious Cycle of Historical Injustice: Past and Present

The persistence of racism is not a simple issue of personal bias but is deeply rooted in historical injustices that have been perpetuated over generations. The U.S. government's failure to address these injustices has allowed the systemic issues to continue. For example, the theft of land from Indigenous peoples and the systemic oppression of Black individuals through Jim Crow laws and racial segregation have all contributed to a society where racism and white supremacy continue to thrive.

It is often argued that these issues are 'crafted' for political reasons, and this point is well-illustrated by an interesting perspective from a Black scholar. This scholar believes that the persistence of white supremacy is not merely a product of individual prejudice but is a constructed reality meant to maintain the status quo. The 'rape' of the land, as mentioned, is a prime example of this. The U.S. government did not just 'attack' the enslavement of Black people, but also systematically stole their land and resources, which continues to impact Black communities today.

Global Perspectives: Racism as a Universal Issue

The issue of racism is not unique to the U.S.; it is a global phenomenon that affects many countries. For instance, in the U.S., the violence towards Black people has led to the Black Lives Matter movement (BLM). BLM highlights the ongoing struggles for racial justice and equality, and it serves as a reminder that the fight against racism is ongoing.

Looking at other countries, we see similar issues. In Australia, Caucasians often discriminate against Asian populations. In Japan, minorities face significant discrimination and marginalization. In South Korea, the preference for native-born Koreans and the discrimination against mixed-ethnicity individuals are well-documented. These examples highlight how racism is not exclusive to the U.S. and underscores the need for a broader global conversation about addressing these issues.

Conclusion

While it is true that racism and white supremacy are persistent issues in the U.S., it is also important to recognize that these problems are deeply entrenched in historical injustices that have been perpetuated for generations. Efforts to address these issues must be comprehensive and focused on addressing the root causes. Furthermore, the global nature of these issues necessitates a collective effort to combat racism and promote equality and justice.

It is crucial to continue the dialogue and to educate ourselves about the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities. By acknowledging and addressing these systemic issues, we can work towards a more equitable and just society.