I’m not saying no other ethnicities exist, I’m just saying Black and Latino Communities are the two that get brought up the most when having conversations about white supremacy in relation to Civil Rights in the 2020s in the Midwest U.S.: it’s clear there is anti-Asian, anti-Arab, anti-Indigenous Turtle Islander, anti-Pacific Islander, and anti-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sentiment in white supremacy, as well, let alone the Gaelic and Balkan peoples who refuse to assimilate — please, if you care to do so, let me know if I’m neglecting to include anyone — this is meant to be an example of conversations I have witnessed in Iowa

2/10 Edited to

... Read moreBased on my personal observations and experiences living in the Midwest, discussions around white supremacy often highlight Black and Latino communities given their historical and ongoing struggles in civil rights battles. However, it’s important to recognize that white supremacy’s effects extend far beyond these groups. I’ve witnessed anti-Asian, anti-Arab, anti-Indigenous Turtle Islander, anti-Pacific Islander, and anti-Aboriginal sentiments surface in everyday conversations, revealing how pervasive and multifaceted systemic oppression remains. In my experience, many of these discriminations are normalized or go unnoticed, which perpetuates cycles of exclusion and marginalization. For example, subtle but damaging actions such as stereotyping or exclusion in education and employment settings are common. The recognition of Gaelic and Balkan peoples who resist cultural assimilation further complicates the landscape, showing how ethnicity and identity interplay with oppressive systems. It’s also clear that discussions about white supremacy need to incorporate a broad understanding of the historical and societal context—how centuries of structured inequality have created persistent disparities. The messages observed in public spaces, like those captured in signs stating “REMEMBER: SUPREMACISTS INCORRECT” and referencing inherent authority linked to melanin, highlight ongoing efforts to challenge narratives that uphold racial hierarchies. Engaging in open dialogues where all affected communities are heard can help dismantle these structures. Personally, I’ve found that acknowledging the breadth of impacted groups fosters solidarity and more nuanced approaches to activism and policy-making. Recognizing shared and unique experiences among diverse peoples encourages inclusive civil rights conversations that are necessary for meaningful social change in the Midwest and beyond.

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