Questions to Consider Regarding White Nationalism

Dear friends,

Just a brief reminder of our scheduled Zoom Tues evening 7:30-9:00 on the disturbing subject of “white nationalism” or “white supremacy” movements.”

The pair of documentaries I’ve suggested, Discovering Hate Parts I and II, reveals some the perceptions and values that drive these movements and the intensity of feelings that have inspired a stream of mass murders by white men across the country since the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.

I have also suggested an essay that shows how our current President’s words and deeds have reinforced these kinds of attitudes and actions.

But these materials, confirmed by increasing research, make clear that support for white nationalist ideology has spread far beyond “wackos” or isolated fringe groups. It is no longer possible to believe that it is of little consequence, that all this will disappear either by paying not attention to it (“so it won’t grow” – the faulty reasoning of the past several decades) or with the advent of a new administration in Washington which is clearly opposed to it.

White Nationalism has deep roots, and these we would do well to understand if we aim to either counter its efforts or to draw its adherents into a more healthy and constructive vision of the world and their role in it. Neither approach will be easy, however.

Evidence suggests that many of the resentments and attitudes that ignite these militant movements are shared by a large percentage of the white public who have felt betrayed by “liberals” and the platforms and policies they advocate.

To a disturbing degree there is even support for these White nationalist groups in Police Departments, in the Military, in the Media, and within religious organizations – even though there are policies against such views, if only that they are “not politically correct.”

Some of the additional issues and questions may come to mind while watching these films:

Just how accurate is my above portrayal of the situation from what you’ve seen, read and know?

Who exactly is producing and promoting the ideas of White Nationalism or Supremacy, whether under the title of KKK, Atomwaffen, National Socialist or Neo-Nazi Party? How do they spread? Is all this legal, by the way?

How much of all this is about ignorance and hatred of all non-white people – e.g., Jews, Blacks, Mexicans, Muslims, Chinese? etc. and how much of it is about the loss of white power and privilege? To what degree are these two orientations linked?

How much of White Nationalism is fueled by deep resentment of the white middle class in certain parts of the country – particularly white men – over their loss of jobs and their decline in income and status, while “liberals” persist in celebrating gains for women and minorities in every field at the expense of white men?

“You will not replace us!” is the cry of some of these military white groups. Who, precisely, is the “You” being addressed here? To what extent is the “zero-sum” thinking that this cry belies, an accurate understanding of the “liberal agenda?” and an accurate view of what is really happening out there?

To what extent are white nationalists right or wrong in their assumptions about how American history will unfold? Are they justified in being alarmed? or not?

Should white nationalists be locked up or listened to?

Consider the mass murders and the risk of far more of them in the near future. Are our freedoms killing us? What kinds of limits do you think we should have on arms and lethal substances? On free speech and assembly?

What are the responsibilities of Baha’is and other faith traditions as together we face the intentions and plans of these militant movements and the threats they pose?

What additional questions come to mind as you watch these films?

I look forward to your thoughts and feelings Tuesday evening, zoomtime.

Jim