Unpacking the Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture: How They Show Up in Our Society

Unpacking the Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture: How They Show Up in Our Society

White supremacy culture refers to a set of behaviors, values, and beliefs that are rooted in colonialism and perpetuate the system of white dominance. It is a system that normalizes and privileges white people while oppressing people of color. In this article, we will examine some of the key characteristics of white supremacy culture and explore how they manifest themselves in our society.

Defining White Supremacy Culture

To understand white supremacy culture, it’s essential to define it. Generally, white supremacy refers to the belief that white people are superior to people of color. However, this belief also encompasses a range of other attitudes and behaviors that support this idea. For example, a culture that values individualism and competition above all else can lead to the exclusion of people who are seen as “different” and the devaluation of collectivism. White supremacy culture itself is not only upheld by white people but also by non-white people who may have internalized the belief that knowledge and success belong only to white people.

The Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture

White supremacy culture can be divided into several characteristics, and these are explained below.

Perfectionism

Perfectionism refers to the idea that anything less than perfect is not good enough. This mentality can be harmful as it places undue stress and pressure on individuals to conform to a certain standard. In white supremacy culture, this idea is enforced by the belief that there is only one right way to do things, and that is the way that white people do it.

Sense of Urgency

In white supremacy culture, there is often a sense of urgency that pervades everything. This urgency can lead to snap decisions being made without a thorough analysis of all the facts. This sense of urgency is often derived from the idea that time is money and that anything that takes too long is a waste of time.

Defensiveness

When confronted with criticism or disagreement, people in a white supremacy culture often become defensive. This is because the culture values the idea that a person’s identity is closely tied to their beliefs and behaviors. Therefore, any criticism of one’s actions or beliefs is seen as a personal attack.

Quantity over Quality

In white supremacy culture, the emphasis is often on quantity over quality. This idea is supported by the belief that more is always better. This attitude can lead to a lack of care or attention to detail, as long as the volume of work is high.

Paternalism

Paternalism refers to the idea that those in power know what is best for those who are not. In white supremacy culture, this attitude often takes the form of those in power making decisions on behalf of people of color, without their input or consent. This can lead to a lack of representation and understanding of the needs and desires of marginalized communities.

Emergence of White Supremacy Culture in Society

We can see the characteristics of white supremacy culture in many aspects of our society, including education, politics, and media.

In education, we see a focus on standardization and a lack of diversity in curriculum, which reinforces the idea that there is only one right way to learn. In politics, we see a lack of representation for people of color, and policies that are designed to benefit the wealthy and powerful at the expense of marginalized communities. In media, we see a lack of representation for people of color and a focus on reinforcing stereotypes, which can lead to the further marginalization of these communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, white supremacy culture is deeply ingrained in our society, and we must actively work to dismantle it. This can be done through education, representation, and activism. By recognizing the characteristics of white supremacy culture and how they show up in our lives, we can begin to challenge them and create a more equitable and just society for all.