White supremacy

Definition

White supremacy is a racist ideology that promotes the belief that white people are superior to people of other racial backgrounds, often advocating for the social, political, and economic dominance of white individuals. This ideology has historically justified discrimination, segregation, and violence against non-white populations, deeply influencing social structures and movements throughout American history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. White supremacy played a significant role in the establishment of Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation in public spaces and restricted voting rights for African Americans.
2. During the Civil Rights Movement, activists faced violent opposition from white supremacist groups, highlighting the deep-rooted resistance to racial equality.
3. The Ku Klux Klan re-emerged in the early 20th century as a major force of white supremacist ideology, often targeting not only African Americans but also immigrants and other minority groups.
4. White supremacy contributed to systemic inequalities that affected education, housing, and employment opportunities for non-white populations throughout Texas and the broader United States.
5. The legacy of white supremacy continues to influence contemporary discussions around race relations, social justice, and civil rights in America.

Review Questions

• How did white supremacy manifest itself through Jim Crow laws in Texas?
  • White supremacy was institutionalized through Jim Crow laws in Texas, which enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. These laws created separate facilities for different races, including schools, transportation, and public spaces. The legal framework established by these laws was a direct reflection of the belief in white superiority and had devastating effects on African American communities by denying them equal rights and access to resources.
• Discuss the impact of white supremacy on the Civil Rights Movement's strategies and goals in Texas.
  • The presence of white supremacy heavily influenced the strategies and goals of the Civil Rights Movement in Texas. Activists aimed not only to dismantle legal segregation but also to confront the societal norms rooted in white supremacy. This included organizing protests, sit-ins, and voter registration drives while facing violent backlash from white supremacist groups. Their efforts were pivotal in challenging systemic racism and advocating for civil rights legislation that sought to achieve equality for all.
• Evaluate how the historical context of white supremacy has shaped modern race relations in Texas.
  • The historical context of white supremacy has profoundly shaped modern race relations in Texas by creating a legacy of systemic inequalities that persist today. This ideology established barriers that continue to affect education, employment, and social justice initiatives. As communities work toward healing and reconciliation, understanding this legacy is crucial for addressing ongoing disparities. Current movements advocating for equity often reference the historical roots of discrimination to emphasize the need for comprehensive change.

Related terms

Jim Crow Laws:

State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.

Civil Rights Movement:

A social movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and securing equal rights for African Americans, challenging the systemic racism rooted in white supremacy.

Ku Klux Klan:

A white supremacist hate group formed in the aftermath of the Civil War that used terror and violence to oppose civil rights for African Americans and to promote white supremacy.