Upscale white nationalism presents new threats

“Peace on Earth” is the perennial message of Christmas. It seems inappropriate to discuss the emergence of the “alt-right” during the yuletide. However, current events have created public concern over assertions of white supremacy.

Older generations think of the Ku Klux Klan as carrying the torch for such issues, but racial bigotry has become more sophisticated. A major proponent of these theories now is the National Policy Institute, a white nationalist think tank based in Arlington, Virginia. Its CEO is Richard Spencer, a 38-year-old and well-educated advocate of their racist cause.

The NPI describes itself as “an independent organization dedicated to the heritage, identity and future of people of European descent.” Few people would probably not object to organizations with the sole objective of preserving the customs and cultural identity of white European ethnic groups, but Spencer wants much more. He advocates a “peaceful ethnic cleansing” to end the “deconstruction” of European culture.

This philosophy is based on white supremacy and European unity, both of which are false concepts. Considerable research on genetics has been unable to establish that intellectual superiority and creativity are a function of the color of one’s skin. Also, history shows more conflict than unity among European nations. In fact, Spencer has already been banned from a number of European nations for trying to promote white nationalism there.

As leader of the “birthers” who challenged Barack Obama’s legitimacy, Donald Trump rose to prominence among white nationalists who hailed his election as president. The alt-right are conservatives who alternatively oppose racial diversity. It is critical for other citizens to confront the racist views that will divide the nation.