Replacement Theory

Replacement Theory

One of the many troubling factors in Saturday’s mass murder in Buffalo is the reference to “replacement theory.” Few understand the reference and its connection to xenophobia, racism, and white supremacy.

“Replacement Theory” is a racist conspiracy theory. In the early 20th century, French nationalist Maurice Barres and French writer and critic Renaud Camus popularized the phrase “replacement” in their writings. A novel by Jean Raspail, “The Camp of the Saints” further promoted the theory.

These writings predicted that immigration, lower birth rates by longtime residents, Jews in the society, and feminism would ultimately bring about the decline of the white race in Europe. This struck fear in the hearts and minds of many. We know that fear has the potential to be associated with hate.

The white supremacist movement quickly adopted and promoted this conspiracy theory. Since its promotion, it has become a theory supported by some politicians such as Marine LePen, Matt Gaetz, Congressman Steven King, Gov. Dan Patrick, Rep. Brian Babin, and even Donald Trump, as well as others like Stephen Miller and Steve Bannon.

Promotion in the media has involved Tucker Carlson, Laura Ingraham, Judge Jeanine Pirro, Lauren Southern, Andrew Torba, and Charlie Kirk. All have made public, on camera statements that sound like this theory. Ultimately their interpretations attack immigrants and reject reforms that seek to support solutions to related problems.

In place of accommodations and reforms, the theory promotes outright “stopping” immigration, questioning voting rights for women, equality and inclusion in the workplace and the questioning of democratic principles. The obviousness of these negative positions in a country built by immigrants and slaves is beyond comprehension by most. Despite fear of religious beliefs from other parts of the world, the theory proposes the subjugation of women as a solution to problems. There are so many contradictions. When all who live in this country originally came from somewhere else, including indigenous people who migrated before written history, the theory seeks to limit immigration. Logic is stressed to understand this. It creates the specter of “I’ve got mine, so sc..w everyone else.” That dark, self-serving shadow casts a blight on the society.

A scapegoat for “replacement” thinking is politics. It is held to see the endgame of immigration reform to be changes to the demographics of the country. This seems particularly illogical given the rampant voter suppression and gerrymandering that exists currently as a means of maintaining or acquiring power. The artificial construction of voting blocks that exclude minority areas is just a power grab. Blaming immigration reform for vote seeking is a fear based reverse power grab. Add voter suppression? What is the sum total? Do it all to stay in power! How did that work out in recent history? Accusing immigration reform of being anti-democratic? It all starts to become too obvious. The question is…are we paying attention?

It has long been said that “power corrupts, and great power corrupts greatly!” We see this at play in the world today. In the case of replacement theory, fear of the loss of power seems to have had dramatic and immediate results. Among the result is political and institutional decline and chaos. There is a loss of perceived national unity. There is an increase in internal national strife and the proliferation of violence and senseless death.

This is not what the United States should be about. Discard the negative occurrences of the past, or at least learn from them and avoid them in the future. Rather than sinking further into disunity, rise to the challenge of acceptance of differences and contribute to mutual support. The result will be beneficial to all.

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Explore further on your own:

https://www.nytimes.com Replacement Theory

https://www.nbcnews.com Buffalo Shooting

https://www.adl.org The Great Replacement

https://www.npr.org White Replacement Theory

Google Replacement Theory for more reading on the subject.