White Culture

Introduction

“The best man was white. He was also the apex of civilization, the greatest achievement of human evolution, progress, and history.” (Bederman, 1) Whiteness as a concept has existed nearly as long as masculinity in American society. The initial emergence of European superiority had been pinpointed to the appearance of capitalism, when racial notions were used to justify subordination and exploitation of various populations in America. (Bush, 16) Groups that were frequently exploited blacks, Native Americans, and later, Irish Americans. In the 18th and 19th centuries whiteness was founded on economic exploitation and racial folklore: “Whites were told that their whiteness rendered them 'superior,' and to maintain this status they needed to place their allegiances with those in power that had the resources who could divvy up the benefits.” (Bush, 17) In a sense, a focus on racial instead of class-based solidarity has always been a focus in America.

Also, more specifically, from 1800 to 1865 was the formative period of working class whiteness. (Roediger, 14) This period solidified a national commitment to the idea of racial solidarity. Margaret Mazie states: “Whiteness exists both as a cultural-ethnic way of building identities and as a crucial thread in the social, economic, and political fabric of the United States.” (Mazie, 284) While it is much easier to disregard white supremacists as extremists who are out of touch with mainstream society, that is not the case. Whiteness has existed as a means of domination almost as long as the country has existed. (Taylor, 396)

Discussion and Analysis

Since the 1980's American organized racism groups have been increasingly recruiting women. It is estimated that women currently compose almost 50% of new members in some racist groups and are the fastest growing portion of organized racial group enrollment. (Blee, 7) This is a relatively new phenomenon ...