Philosopher George Yancy Discusses White Supremacy and Backlash Amid 250th Anniversary
In an exclusive interview, philosopher George Yancy reflects on his book *Backlash* and the persistent force of white supremacy in the United States as the nation marks its 250th year.
During the interview, George Yancy describes how his 2015 essay sought to make white readers see the historical construction of whiteness and its role in racial oppression, a message that was met with vitriolic responses. He contends that the current political climate, exemplified by Donald Trump's rhetoric, represents a continuation rather than an escalation of entrenched white supremacy. Yancy links the book's themes to the United States' 250th independence anniversary, emphasizing that the nation's founding involved genocide and anti-Black violence.
He discusses how recent challenges to ethnic studies and DEI initiatives echo the same defensive tactics he documented. Yancy also mentions his upcoming edited volume with Temple University Press on James Baldwin's ideas about whiteness. Throughout, he stresses a Baldwin-inspired love that urges white people to confront their complicity while acknowledging the difficulty of such self-examination.
Why it matters
The interview highlights how deep-seated white supremacy continues to shape U.S. politics and education, urging critical self-reflection.
In this story
