The White Supremacist Next Door

A recent Newsweek article titled "Rebranding Hate in the Age of Obama" revealed the subtle, racist undertones seeping into mainstream America. As the nation elected its first African-American president and faced a new economic crisis, many Americans felt a surge in white pride as the way of life they knew suddenly changed. The article highlights white supremacist groups, such as the Knights Party, which advocate a non-violent approach to ridding the nation of minorities and have seen an increase in enrollment following the election. However, not all hate groups advocate a subtle approach to finding new members, such as through friendly conversation with a neighbor or friend; the Aryan nation continues to pedal strong hate messages and possible military action.
Even though I am white, I find any white supremacy group appalling, and the fact that these people are successfully, subtlely recruiting frightens me. I do see a double standard in that minorites may have groups celebrating their heritage, while whites are admonished for participating in white supremacy groups. I think the simple (yet unattainable) solution would be to disband all, but honestly, that is never going to happen. I liked that some of these groups, such as the Knights Party, advocated a non-violent means to their desired end, but I still see the wrong in their mission. I feel that any legal immigrant should have a fair chance over here, just like our ancestors did when they came over as immigrants.