A World Without White Supremacy: There are Plenty of cultures that are ready to carry on its oppression.
The history of atrocities—slavery, colonialism, apartheid, Jim Crow, genocide, and anti-Black racism—has often been tied to systems of power built by White Europeans. These systems established racial hierarchies that placed Whiteness at the apex, with anti-Black racism as a cornerstone. But what if White Europeans vanished? Would these oppressive structures collapse, or would other groups within Europe, particularly non-White communities seeking proximity to Whiteness, step in to perpetuate them? This article argues that certain non-White European cultures, driven by their alignment with White European power and adoption of its racial ideologies, would likely continue systems of oppression, including anti-Black racism, in a post-White European world.
Proximity to Whiteness and the Adoption of Oppression
Proximity to Whiteness refers to the phenomenon where non-White groups adopt the cultural, economic, or social norms of White European systems to gain power, status, or acceptance. In Europe, this often involves internalizing anti-Black racism and other hierarchical ideologies to align with the dominant power structure. Such groups may not be considered “White” by traditional European standards (based on ethnicity, religion, or historical marginalization) but seek to emulate Whiteness to secure their place in the social order.
The disappearance of White Europeans would not necessarily end anti-Black racism or other forms of oppression. Non-White European cultures that have sought proximity to Whiteness, such as those listed above, are poised to fill the power vacuum, perpetuating European-style systems due to their historical alignment with these structures.
If White Europeans disappeared, these groups—already integrated into European systems—could fill the power vacuum, perpetuating anti-Black racism and other forms of oppression. Their proximity to Whiteness equips them with the tools of European governance, capitalism, and racial ideology, making them likely candidates to continue these systems. Below is a list of non-White European cultures (defined as ethnic or cultural groups within Europe, often marginalized or not fully accepted as “White”) that have historically sought proximity to Whiteness and demonstrated anti-Black racism or alignment with oppressive European systems.
Non-White European Cultures Likely to Perpetuate Anti-Black Oppression
The following list focuses on non-White European groups that have sought proximity to Whiteness through cultural assimilation, economic alignment, or adoption of anti-Black attitudes, often as a means of gaining social capital. Each group’s inclusion is based on historical or contemporary patterns of behavior within Europe, particularly their engagement with anti-Black racism or European power structures.
- European Roma Elites
While Roma communities face significant discrimination across Europe, some Roma elites have sought integration into mainstream European systems by adopting Western economic models and social norms. In countries like Romania and Serbia, Roma entrepreneurs or community leaders occasionally align with nationalist or capitalist structures, sometimes distancing themselves from Black or African migrant communities to gain favor with White majorities. Reports of anti-Black sentiment among some Roma groups, such as the exclusion of African migrants in urban settings, reflect internalized European racial hierarchies. - Turkish Immigrants in Germany
Turkish communities in Germany, often considered non-White due to their Muslim identity and ethnic difference, have sought proximity to Whiteness through economic integration and cultural assimilation. Some second- and third-generation Turkish-Germans adopt anti-Black stereotypes, influenced by European media and social norms, to align with the dominant culture. For example, African migrants in Berlin have reported discriminatory treatment from Turkish-owned businesses, reflecting a desire to emulate White German social hierarchies. - Albanian Communities in Western Europe
Albanians in countries like Italy, Greece, and the UK, often marginalized as non-White due to their Balkan and Muslim heritage, have pursued proximity to Whiteness through economic ambition and cultural assimilation. In urban centers, some Albanian immigrants adopt anti-Black attitudes, such as refusing service to African migrants or echoing European stereotypes, to distance themselves from other marginalized groups and gain acceptance in White-dominated societies. - Bosniak Muslims in the Balkans
Bosniaks, often excluded from “White” European identity due to their Muslim faith, have historically sought integration into European systems, particularly in Austria and Germany. Some Bosniak communities adopt anti-Black racism, influenced by European nationalist narratives, to align with Whiteness. For instance, African refugees in Sarajevo have faced discrimination from Bosniak-owned establishments, reflecting a desire to emulate European racial hierarchies. - North African Immigrants in France (e.g., Algerian and Moroccan Communities)
North African communities in France, often labeled non-White due to their Arab or Berber heritage and Muslim identity, have sought proximity to Whiteness through economic integration and cultural adaptation. Some second-generation North Africans adopt anti-Black racism, influenced by French colonial ideologies, to distance themselves from sub-Saharan African immigrants. Reports of anti-Black slurs and exclusion in Parisian suburbs highlight this dynamic, as some North Africans align with White French norms to gain social capital. - South Asian Communities in the UK (e.g., Indian and Pakistani Diasporas)
South Asian communities in the UK, particularly middle-class Indians and Pakistanis, are often considered non-White due to their ethnic and religious differences. Some seek proximity to Whiteness through economic success, education, and alignment with British cultural norms. Anti-Black racism within these communities, such as colorism and discrimination against African–Caribbean or African migrants, reflects internalized European racial hierarchies. For example, African students in London have reported exclusionary treatment from South Asian-owned businesses. - Middle Eastern Christian Minorities in Europe (e.g., Assyrian and Coptic Communities)
Middle Eastern Christian groups, such as Assyrians in Sweden or Copts in the UK, are often marginalized as non-White due to their ethnic and cultural differences. Some seek proximity to Whiteness by emphasizing their Christian identity and aligning with European conservative values. Anti-Black sentiment, such as stereotyping African migrants as criminals, has been noted in these communities, reflecting a desire to integrate into White European social structures. - Eastern European Jewish Communities (Non-Ashkenazi, e.g., Sephardi or Mizrahi Jews)
While Ashkenazi Jews are often perceived as White in Europe, non-Ashkenazi Jewish communities, such as Sephardi or Mizrahi Jews in countries like France or Spain, are sometimes considered non-White due to their Middle Eastern or North African origins. Some of these communities seek proximity to Whiteness by aligning with European economic and cultural systems, occasionally adopting anti-Black attitudes to gain acceptance. For instance, African migrants in Paris have reported discriminatory treatment from Sephardi-owned businesses.
Why Would These Cultures Step In?
These non-White European groups seek proximity to Whiteness to navigate the systemic marginalization they face within Europe. By adopting European economic systems, cultural norms, or racial ideologies, they aim to secure social, economic, or political advantages. Anti-Black racism, a hallmark of European colonial systems, becomes a tool for some to distance themselves from other marginalized groups and align with the dominant power structure. For example, Turkish or North African immigrants in Western Europe may adopt anti-Black stereotypes to signal their assimilation into White-dominated societies.
In a post-White European world, these groups, already familiar with European governance, capitalism, and racial hierarchies, could perpetuate oppressive systems to maintain their newfound status. Their historical alignment with Whiteness equips them with the frameworks to continue anti-Black racism and other forms of exclusion, adapting European models to their cultural contexts.
A Counterpoint: Would Anti-Black Racism End?
Some argue that the disappearance of White Europeans would dismantle the racial hierarchies they created, allowing non-White groups to reject anti-Black racism. However, the globalized systems of trade, media, and governance, rooted in European frameworks, reward those who adopt their norms, including racial biases. Non-White European groups that have internalized these systems may perpetuate anti-Black oppression to maintain power, especially if they view it as a path to social mobility in a competitive world.
The disappearance of White Europeans would not necessarily end anti-Black racism or other forms of oppression. Non-White European cultures that have sought proximity to Whiteness, such as those listed above, are poised to fill the power vacuum, perpetuating European-style systems due to their historical alignment with these structures. Addressing this challenge requires dismantling the globalized hierarchies that incentivize anti-Black racism and fostering inclusive systems that prioritize equity over power, regardless of who holds it.