2. Claim
White Supremacy may have been a
reason why an African American
would not ask the proper
authorities for help in situations
such as the one in "Steady Going Up"
by Maya Angelou.
3. Defining White Supremacy
In the simplest of terms, White Supremacy is the belief that
the White race is inherently superior to other races and that
Whites should in turn control other races.
“The term “white supremacy” enables us to recognize not
only that black people are socialized to embody the values
and attitudes of white supremacy, but we can exercise “white
supremacist control” over other black people.” – Bell Hooks,
Talking Back: Thinking Feminist, Thinking Black
4. Understanding the claim
Historically African Americans have endured
centuries of discrimination, segregation, and
racism.
This caused uneasy relations with police and other
prominent authorities.
5. Understanding the claim
(cont’d)
Socially, African Americans have always been
as the inferior race amongst the majority in
American Society.
Consequently, this thinking also created
negative relations between African Americans
and police.
This racial tension prompted police to be
physically violent, racially profile, and
wrongfully accuse African Americans of
crimes.
6.
7. Opposing Views
• There are those
that claim White
Supremacy is no
longer an issue in
Society
• They argue that
America provides
everyone with an
even playing field, and
that success is based
on an individual’s
personal drive, hard
work, mental capacity,
etc.
“We live in a system that espouses merit, equality, and a level
playing field, but exalts those with wealth, power, and celebrity,
however gained.” – Derrick A Ball, Ethical Ambition: Living a
Life of Meaning and Worth
8. Conclusion
White Supremacy is a major reason why an African
American would be apprehensive in asking the police
or authorities for help.
While lynching and cross burnings are now outdated
practices, White supremacy continues to have a
negative effect on society, specifically on African
Americans.
African Americans continue to be racially profiled,
harassed, and discriminated against.
Combining socially and historical research one could
conclude that the historical aspect addresses “why”
there is racism and white supremacy and the societal
aspect addresses “how” this continues.
9. Works Cited
Wadhanl, Anita. "White Supremacists to Hold Conference in
Tennessee." Detroit Free Press. N.p., 14 Sept. 2012. Web. 29 Mar.
2013.
<http://www.freep.com/article/20120914/NEWS07/120914005/White-
supremacists-to-gather-in-Tenn->.
Mortin, BIll. "Teen White Supremacist Arrested for Planned Bombing of
Alabama School | Hatewatch | Southern Poverty Law Center." Teen
White Supremacist Arrested for Planned Bombing of Alabama School |
Hatewatch | Southern Poverty Law Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar.
2013. <http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2013/01/07/teen-white-
supremacist-arrested-for-planning-bomb-attack-on-alabama-school/>.
Angelou, Maya. "Steady Going Up." Enotes.com. Enotes.com, n.d.
Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://www.enotes.com/steady-going-up-
salem/steady-going-up>.
Brown, Sterling A. "And/Or." Project MUSE - And/Or. Project MUSE, 26
Mar. 2013. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/callaloo/v021/21.4brown12.html>.
