“Whiteness” and “white supremacy” are terms that have gained significant attention in discussions about race and politics in the United States. “Whiteness” refers to the social, cultural, and political practices and norms that uphold white racial identity as superior or default. It’s not about the color of one’s skin but rather a societal construct. For example, in a contemporary American context, whiteness might manifest in the normalization of Eurocentric beauty standards, or the expectation that individuals of diverse backgrounds should assimilate to “mainstream” (often white-dominated) cultural norms. It’s important to note that “whiteness” is not synonymous with white people; rather, it’s a construct that goes beyond skin color, encompassing a system of privilege and dominance based on racial categorizations.
On the other hand, “white supremacy” is the belief in the inherent superiority of white people over people of other racial backgrounds. In today’s society, this might be seen in the disproportionate police violence against Black individuals, or the perpetuation of stereotypes that paint certain racial groups as inherently more dangerous or less intelligent. White supremacy leads to the systemic or structural domination by those identified as white.
The MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, which surged during Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, has been a focal point of controversy and concern. While its supporters often frame it as a populist uprising against political elites, the movement undeniably showcases traits associated with whiteness, white supremacy, and attributes historically linked to fascism. This article delves into these traits, providing concrete examples from the movement’s rhetoric and actions.
- Racial Superiority:
- MAGA rally attendees have been documented using white supremacist symbols and slogans. Examples include the use of the “white power” hand gesture and racially charged chants as documented by ABC News and The Washington Post.
- Xenophobia:
- The movement’s fixation on building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and the demonization of immigrants is underscored in discussions about its xenophobic tendencies.
- Ethnonationalism:
- The “America First” slogan, reminiscent of 20th-century isolationist movements, promotes an America that prioritizes a narrow ethnic and cultural identity, as discussed by Britannica.
- Racist Dog-Whistles:
- Terms like “urban” or “inner city” have been weaponized to indirectly reference and malign Black or minority communities, as analyzed by Vox.
- Revisionist History:
- Initiatives like the 1776 Commission aim to whitewash U.S. history, downplaying the impacts of slavery and pushing a Eurocentric narrative.
- Cultural Purity:
- The vehement opposition to the removal of Confederate statues under the guise of preserving “heritage” or “history” is discussed in this New York Times article.
- Anti-Multiculturalism:
- The movement’s antagonism towards Black Lives Matter and other equality movements is evident in its opposition to Critical Race Theory.
- Religious Discrimination (e.g., Muslim Travel Ban):
- The travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries was a blatant act of religious discrimination, as highlighted by the Center for Constitutional Rights.
- Promotion of Conspiracy Theories (e.g., QAnon):
- The rise of the QAnon conspiracy theory within MAGA circles, with its bizarre and baseless claims, is alarming, as reported by BBC News.
Authoritarianism and Fascism:
The MAGA movement’s rise has been accompanied by concerns regarding its alignment with authoritarian and fascist tendencies. Here are some of the characteristics and examples:
- Strongman Worship: The unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump, often at the expense of democratic norms, mirrors the cult of personality seen in fascist regimes. Trump’s portrayal as the sole figure capable of “saving” America and the refusal to accept his electoral defeat in 2020 are indicative of this trait, as discussed by the Los Angeles Times.
- Disdain for Democratic Norms: The movement’s rejection of the 2020 election results, despite numerous court rulings and audits affirming its legitimacy, showcases a willingness to undermine the democratic process. This disdain is evident in the Supreme Court’s rejection of certain MAGA-backed theories regarding the election.
- Militarism: The glorification of violence and the armed forces is evident in the rhetoric of some MAGA supporters. The calls for “Second Amendment solutions” and the formation of armed militias align with this trait, as highlighted by the BBC in their coverage of the Capitol riots.
- Controlled Mass Media: Trump’s repeated characterization of critical media as “fake news” and the promotion of singular news sources that align with the movement’s views are reminiscent of fascist propaganda tactics. The demonization of journalists and media outlets that critique or oppose Trump’s policies and actions further underscores this point, as reported by CNN.
- Nationalistic Rhetoric: The “America First” slogan and the demonization of foreign nations and international alliances reflect a hyper-nationalistic stance, a common trait in fascist movements, as analyzed by Britannica.
In essence, while the MAGA movement is often presented as a populist response to political elites, its underpinnings reveal a troubling alignment with white supremacy, whiteness, and elements of fascism. The movement’s impact on American political discourse and its potential long-term implications warrant close scrutiny and concern.
