Module 3: History
Part 3: White Supremacy
This part explores the idea of white supremacy and its systemic or institutional nature.
&1: White Supremacy
White supremacy may lead to views of white supremacists, such as klansmen, acting to promote the idea of white superiority. While white supremacists exist in society, white supremacy is deeper and maybe even hidden in the institutions and policies that govern society.
Elizabeth “Betita” Martinez explains white supremacy as a system that is historical and exploitative (links below).
Read:
What is White Supremacy?
http://www.pittsburghartscouncil.org/storage/documents/ProfDev/what-is-white-supremacy.pdf
Or
http://www.pym.org/annual-sessions/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/06/What_Is_White_Supremacy_Martinez.pdf
Elizabeth “Betita” Martinez explains white supremacy as a system that is historical and exploitative (links below).
Read:
What is White Supremacy?
http://www.pittsburghartscouncil.org/storage/documents/ProfDev/what-is-white-supremacy.pdf
Or
http://www.pym.org/annual-sessions/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/06/What_Is_White_Supremacy_Martinez.pdf
| what-is-white-supremacy.pdf |
| what_is_white_supremacy_martinez.pdf |
Because it is institutional and systems-based, white supremacy is broad and problematic. Additionally, white supremacy and racism, while related, are not interchangeable. Learn more about these ideas in the resources below.
Read:
The Problem is White Supremacy
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/29/opinion/problem-is-white-supremacy/
Watch:
How and When to Use the Term “White Supremacy” with Michael Harriot
https://www.onedetroitpbs.org/white-supremacy-racism-michael-harriot/
White nationalism is another topic related to white supremacist groups. The Southern Poverty Law Center offers some background and current implications of white nationalist ideologies.
Read:
White Nationalist
https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/white-nationalist
Components of white supremacy exist in our organizations and structures, even in schools and classrooms. We can be aware of how characteristics of white supremacy as Tema Okun overviews in the document from Dismantling Racism.
Read:
White Supremacy Culture
https://www.dismantlingracism.org/uploads/4/3/5/7/43579015/okun_-_white_sup_culture.pdf
As educators, we need to consider our role in promoting, maintaining, or disrupting white supremacy in our classrooms, schools, districts, and communities. Consider the ideas of Noelle Picara.
Watch:
Dismantling White Supremacy in Education
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=L80Zed1wMzc&feature=emb_logo
Reflect:
- What did you learn from these resources?
- How does this learning impact your view of history and of our current society?
- How does this learning inspire you to take action? What are your next steps?
The next part will focus on some of the justifications of race and racism, especially as related to religion and science throughout history.
