Whites and the Next Racial Clash in America

Time ^ | 12/05/03 | JACK E. WHITE

[freedom44]

According to political scientist Carol M. Swain's unsettling new book, "The New White Nationalism in America: Its Challenge to Integration," the U.S. is on the brink of an explosion of white "tribalism" that could trigger unprecedented levels of racial antagonism and an epidemic of violence. The underlying cause: a swelling "white nationalist" movement fueled by simmering resentment of affirmative action programs like those used by the University of Michigan. "The book is a wake-up call to warn people that we're following a dangerous course by pushing identity politics and multi-culturalism," explains the Vanderbilt law school professor. "There's nothing special about the U.S. that says we couldn't have ethnic cleansing and violence here like in Bosnia or Rwanda."

It's shocking to hear such a dire prophesy from a scholar like Swain, who is rapidly establishing herself as one of the leaders of a new, increasingly vocal neoconservative brand of black political analysis that rejects affirmative action and reparations for slavery and holds blacks responsible for their own uplift. Until recently, most left-leaning black theorists derided her as a hopeless optimist. Her previous book, "Black Faces, Black Interests," ruffled many black politicians by dismissing their fear that a Supreme Court ruling that struck down the use of race in the creation of majority black congressional districts would be a disaster. Instead, Swain predicted, the ruling actually would be good for African Americans. As she foresaw, even in the Deep South strong black candidates were capable of winning enough support from whites to prevail in districts where black voters were outnumbered. She also argued that disbursing blacks into mostly-white districts could make it easier for liberal Democrats to compete with conservative Republicans by building multi-racial coalitions. Blacks "need more representation of their liberal views of policy than they need people who look like them" in Congress, Swain contended. Anyone looking at the toothlessness of the Congressional Black Caucus in the Republican-dominated House would find it difficult to disagree.

But, as Swain says, she "turned from a Pollyanna into a Cassandra" as her research into a book criticizing racial preferences made her aware of the spread of what she calls "the new white nationalism," a form of racial extremism more dangerous than the Ku Klux Klan because of its veneer of erudition and mastery of the Internet. Groups such as former Klansman David Duke's National Organization for European American Rights and the National Association of White People eschew the discredited notion of white supremacy. Indeed, they don't claim that whites are superior to anyone else and may even be inferior to Asians.

Instead they push the notion over websites, in publications such as Jared Taylor's "American Renaissance " magazine and through on-campus recruiting drives that all racial groups have unique interests and the god-given right to fulfill their destiny. They see themselves, as Swain has written, as "defenders of the legitimate civil rights of white people against what they allege are a host of racial double standards." In short, that affirmative action has made whites the most discriminated-against group in the country and that it can only get worse as a tide of immigrants transforms the U.S. from a white nation into a rickety Third World republic. The language white nationalists use to promote their insights is stunningly familiar to anyone who has listened to black nationalists like Louis Farrakhan — but that's not surprising, since the white nationalists appropriated it. As Swain observes, "the multicultural left has provided a language that works very well for whites who want to push white-identity politics," says Swain. "They say that if it's good for blacks to celebrate their heritage, it's good for whites to celebrate theirs."

What concerns Swain the most is such groups now seem to be finding an audience among mainstream whites whose gripes about racial preferences and high crime rates among blacks have been tuned out by white liberal politicians. Though she has no proof that the membership of such groups is mushrooming, their influence is being felt widely. Indeed, some of the rhetoric used by white nationalists is indistinguishable from the verbiage used by President Bush in his assault on the "quotas" supposedly used by the University of Michigan. "If we keep going down this road, it's going to increasingly pit racial groups against each other," she warns. "Some white people, who are otherwise good people, who don't hate blacks, are going to be pushed into the arms of these extremists if we don't change course."

Swain thinks there's only one way out of this bind: recognizing that whites have "legitimate" beefs about race that should be openly debated by politicians and scholars. She also believes we should immediately do away with racial preferences in university admissions, hiring and government contracts that not only fuel white resentment but send the message to blacks that they can't meet the same standards as everyone else. Swain's detractors say such steps amount to no more than a cowardly capitulation to racism, but she won't back down because she does not believe that blacks need the crutch provided by race-conscious policies. For Swain, a deeply devout evangelical Christian, such beliefs are not academic. Now 49, she went from being a high school drop-out and single mother in rural Virginia to a Ph.d and a chair at a leading university. "Somehow, we've got to embrace an American national identity that pulls us together instead of dividing us into warring camps," says Swain, "perhaps through a renewed emphasis on the Judeo-Christian idea of a common creator and the brotherhood of man." It's an old-fashioned idea that could prevent Swain's troubling predictions from coming true.

[T Lady]

I actually think it's commendable for Professor Swain to have written such a book. All of the whining and crying wolf will indeed bite Blacks (and other minorities) in the gluteous maximus some day. Stop listening to the Race Hustlers and Social Degenerate Engineers.

-Regards, T.

[Dianna]

The only circumstance where I could see a flash of white violence would be in response to a major riot -- where rioters come into white neighborhoods, wrech stuff, and kill a few people. In such a circumstance, it wouldn't be hard to round up a bunch for a retaliatory raid

Being not far from Cincinnati, this is what concerns me. Every time we get another bogus accusation against white cops, there have to be more and more people fed up. It's the long standing anger from being blamed for all the world's ills, that could ignite with a big enough catalyst.

A riot or attacks in a white neighborhood would do it. Why? Because what will the cops do to protect us? Will they protect us to the best of their ability? Or will they use bean bags because they don't want anyone calling them racist?

[Nonstatist]

Believe me, as you've pointed out, there are other injustices in the world

That's right. Which is why discrimination at the U of Michigan can be considered just one of many little biases, each one effecting just a select group of people (certain students, certain divorced men, etc), and nothing thats going to incite mass sign-ups for KKK type groups. I just think this woman is looking for an angle into notoriety. Sort of like finding a niche :)

[ETERNAL WARMING]

Or maybe, Mzzzzz. Swain, we're just sick and tired of being the bad guy/kicking spot for all the minorities. Tired of paying your way, tired of being kicked in the teeth for it, tired of the constant double standard. I for one am proud to be white. What's wrong with that? I'm also proud of being a heterosexual...what's wrong with that? YOU are the racist.

[ETERNAL WARMING]

All I know is that if some black guy says "I believe in looking out for black people, and advancing the cause of black people" the media, the politicians and the universities all fawn and grovel and say "how wonderful, what a caring man". If some Mexican guy says "Viva la raza, power to the Mexican people" the media, the politicians and the universities all cry "yes, that's wonderful, it's such a good thing you believe that way".

Then if some white guy says "I believe in looking out for the interests of white people" the media, the politicians and the universities all scream "hatemonger! Racist! NAZI! You must be punished! You must be silenced! You are EVIL!" Then the forces of all of those institutions are directed against the heretic, and they are destroyed in any number of ways, personally, professionally and politically. If they don't wise up and shut up quick they usually end up in jail.

It's disgusting, it's craven, and it makes me sick. It also makes me believe, as Ms. Swain does, that it will eventually lead to events spiraling out of control. Some flames are harder to light than others, but once lit they take a LONG time to cool off.

Excellent post, EJ! And right on the money! I refuse to be discriminated against just because I'm white. I'm tired of them getting away with blatant racism while we're held to an impossible standard.

I supported the civil rights movement! But what we have today is blatant reverse racism. And I won't tolerate it. The time of my sympathy is well past.

[cyborg]

Oh she's just following the money trial. I notice that's easy to turn a quick dollar by fear mongering.

[wardaddy]

Hispanic culture is defined only by language....beyond that it is quite varied from Andean Castillians and Argentine Euros to Andean Incans and Mexican Amerindians...the differences are far more profound than say between New Englanders and Deep Southerners.

[ETERNAL WARMING]

If a white person wrote this exact same article he would have been fired at the very least.

If a white person wrote this screed there would be so much hell to pay, it would never get published. Jailtime a possibility...."hate speech" ya know.

[At _War_With_Liberals]

"the pendulum is swinging toward center again"

Hardly. The issue is now exposed for what it is. That's all.Things have been going in the wrong direction for 30 years, in all institutions. Liberals have a vast power base.

This realization by more people is the start of a war over the direction of the country.

[At _War_With_Liberals]

Only real to leftists. Truly a propaganda rag now... worse than NW.

[kabar]

"Somehow, we've got to embrace an American national identity that pulls us together instead of dividing us into warring camps," says Swain, "perhaps through a renewed emphasis on the Judeo-Christian idea of a common creator and the brotherhood of man." It's an old-fashioned idea that could prevent Swain's troubling predictions from coming true.

It is black racists such as White and Swain abetted by the Liberal whites who have foisted PC diversity and the continued classification of people according to race and ethnicity. Affirmative action, quotas, and a host of laws have emphasized the differences instead of bringing us together.

[Doc On The Bay]

--two Civil Wars---

YUP!-- & the Ultimate Outcome of BOTH " WARS" was that our Constitution SUPERCEDED "Man's Rules!!"

ONLY by "Conceding Authority" to a "Higher Power" did we--a Nation of Restless, Aggressive, Cantankerous, Independent, Sublimely Inventive Souls--Devolve into a peaceful Nation.

Our Aggressive, Independant, Inventive Nature allowed us to "Go to the Moon!!"

WHAT OTHER CULTURE--Before or Since--could have Accomplished that Feat??

& NOW, "W" want's us to go Back--& on to Mars!!

There are THOUSANDS of reasons why we should "Spend the Money Here==on Earth!

There is only ONE reason to Resme our Moon Mission--& On to Mars; We Go into Space because we are "What We Are;--Humans!"

Unless we Face the "Unknown" around us, we "involute,--& Die."

SORRY, "Snail-Darters-for Peace;" Our Basic Human Nature is to Expand our "Horizons!"

we're going Back to the Moon, to Mars, & Beyond--because THAT's WHAT WE DO!!

We Either "Go On," or we "Eat our Young, & Perish!"

Doc

[At _War_With_Liberals]

"There's little doubt that many white people feel threatened and angry about structural advantages given to minorities under the guise of "diversity" and with the blessing of government."

It's much more than this. There is a political WAR against Rep white males. Any protest is condemned by the left. We have been conditioned to 'shut up and take it or else' over the last 15 years. We have no beef with individuals, only with the corrupt orgs/govt that wage constant war against us.

[cpdiii]

The greatest purveyor of racism and hate in the United States is the Democrat Party. Their very existence and power is predicated on racial hate and fear. Each and every national election and most state elections are decided by a very few percentage points. Blacks vote in the high 80% range for the democrat candidates. If Blacks voted 30 percent Republican and 70% democrat the democrat party would cease to exist. It is essential that the democrat party keep the racial divide and fear and hatred alive. Their total existence depends on this. This sad state of affairs is run and organized by white liberals and abetted by black race hustlers that are really hustling for green backs.

[wardaddy]

You strike a chord.

Also, we are already at odds racially to some degree. Many blacks rightly or wrongly are quite angry with whites and blame their current status on whites...they will start blaming Mexican peasants soon enough when they begin to usurp entitlements.

Urban black environs are for the most part off limits for whites for safety reasons already and have been for up to 2 generations in some cities.

Whether or not this indicates all out civil war resulting from white reactionary anger is inevitable is highly debatable but the hostilities have already begun to a degree. This creation of danger zones for whites in black environs in the South is fairly new...maybe 15-20 years old now....something I have personally watched develop. The first I ever saw of it was in Harlem in the 60s and I wondered why so many blacks were so openly hostile when down South where they arguably had more reason to be angry, they were not. Now, there is little difference....urban speaking....the rural South is still cool.

Will Amerindian Mexican and Central American enclaves follow suit or have they already....I do not know. Here in Nashville, the answer is not yet. Likewise the black community being rather small by Southern standards (8% metro) is not "Liberty City" hostile. My hometown of Jackson Mississippi is gone....all they lack are necklacings with tires and gasoline. Whites are for the most part are loathed by much of the 80% black community...especially the under 35 males and successful black conservatives are reserved for special vitriol. Some have had to flee if they are too outspoken for fear of assasination by black gangs. Very very disturbing.

Folks in Fargo or Boise haven't a clue about these things. Nobody likes this, but it is happening and nobody will address it hardly. It is not unlike lynchings and far more common than lynching ever where by a factor of 1000.

The writer is correct that immediately removing preferences would be a right step obviously but what are we to do about whites fears about black crime? I don't know. Here, I am lucky. I deal with scores of blacks poor and otherwise and have only had one incident. I deal with many young white black gangsta immitators and have had multiple incidents....so I can empirically say that any fears I have would be more proven about white wannabes than black thugs. Maybe I'm just lucky...not. Nashville simply has a huge white trash element that aside from skin pigmentation hs assumed the worst of black urban culture. I suppose that is diversity at work but I can't say I'm thrilled.

[At _War_With_Liberals]

"Because what will the cops do to protect us?"

Relying on the police for personal protection is a fantasy, no matter what is happening politically.

[At _War_With_Liberals]

"It is black racists such as White and Swain abetted by the Liberal whites who have foisted PC diversity and the continued classification of people according to race and ethnicity. Affirmative action, quotas, and a host of laws have emphasized the differences instead of bringing us together."

I agree. Multi C is a tool to effect radical social change. It has no moral component at all.

How anyone here can think that this essay/writer has any merit is beyond me. Her accusations of clandestine white groups is absurd.

[Clemenza]

The "Melting Pot" is an early 20th century LIBERAL invention. It was advanced at the time that the racialist Right/Logical Positivists/Social Darwinists, etc. were arguing that the large numbers of Jews, Southern and Eastern Europeans would cause a dilution of genes in the country and spread communism/socialism as well. The liberals at the time argued that those immigrants should be embraced and made to be good "Anglo-Saxons."

The "melting pot ideal" became popular in the 1920s and continued on as the ideal until the late 60s/early 70s. It was succeeded initially by "pluralism" and eventually "multiculturalism."

I personally have no problem with people carrying on their own cultural traditions as long as they leave me alone and don't ask me for a handout.

[At _War_With_Liberals]

"If they don't wise up and shut up quick they usually end up in jail. "

It's conditioning nearing the scale of 'A Clockwork Orange'.

[Clemenza]

Speaking as someone who has extensively studied US Census data, I can tell you that people from Spain are categorized as "Hispanic" by the US census.

If ever they change the classification to "Latino," I think Italian Americans should check that box as they are the ORIGINAL Latins.