Unpacking the Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture: A Critical Examination
White supremacy culture is a term that has its roots in critical race theory. It refers to the dominant cultural norms, values, and behaviors that perpetuate the idea that white people and their experiences are superior to those of people of color. This type of culture is pervasive and insidious and can be found in all aspects of society – from education and the workplace to politics and the media.
Introduction
The events of the past few years have shone a light on the systemic racism that exists in our society. From police brutality to racial profiling, it’s clear that people of color face many challenges that white people don’t. At the heart of this problem is what’s known as white supremacy culture – a set of beliefs and behaviors that prioritize white people and their experiences above all others. In this article, we’ll examine the characteristics of this culture and explore ways to dismantle it.
Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture
1. Perfectionism
White supremacy culture prioritizes perfectionism and places a high value on getting things right the first time. This can lead to a fear of failure and a reluctance to take risks. It also means that people who don’t fit the mold – whether they’re people of color or those with disabilities – are often excluded.
2. Sense of Urgency
The culture of white supremacy places a high value on a sense of urgency, often at the expense of deeper reflection and analysis. This can result in snap judgments, hasty decisions, and a lack of attention to detail.
3. Defensiveness
White supremacy culture tends to respond defensively when challenged. This can take the form of denying that there’s a problem, becoming angry or hostile, or shifting the blame onto others. It makes it difficult to have honest conversations about race and racial injustice.
4. Quantity Over Quality
The culture of white supremacy values quantity over quality. This can manifest in a focus on measurable outcomes over more subjective indicators like well-being and community cohesion. It can also lead to a narrow focus on the bottom line, at the expense of employee wellbeing and job satisfaction.
5. Worship of the Written Word
White supremacy culture places a high value on the written word and often sees it as the only valid form of communication. This puts those who are less proficient in reading and writing at a disadvantage and can marginalize oral and nonverbal forms of communication.
6. Paternalism
White supremacy culture tends to be paternalistic, with those in positions of power seeing it as their role to “take care” of those they perceive as weaker or less able. This can lead to a lack of autonomy and agency for marginalized groups, who are treated as less capable or competent.
7. Power Hoarding
In white supremacy culture, power is seen as a finite resource that must be hoarded rather than shared. This can make it difficult for those who don’t fit the mold to access positions of power and influence. It can also lead to a culture of competition rather than collaboration.
Conclusion
The characteristics of white supremacy culture are deeply ingrained in our society. They can be difficult to identify or challenge, but doing so is essential if we want to create a more just and equitable world. By understanding and dismantling these harmful norms, we can work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society. Let’s work together to challenge and dismantle white supremacy culture wherever we find it.
