blue_mouse

Politics and gov talk.

Oh, hell, what is this thing that just dropped on Sept 22?
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-combating-race-sex-stereotyping/

I mean, codifying white supremacy and reverse racism myths into federal funding, is the short answer I guess. In a long line of fascist actions. Although I'm not sure how much power an executive order has (compared to something approved by congress) or how long lasting it could be. (I'm assuming the next administration could overturn this executive order. Fellow americans pls vote.)

Let's look at the title:
"Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping"

Sounds... okay?
But here's some excerpts:

What they consider malignant: For example, the Department of the Treasury recently held a seminar that promoted arguments that “virtually all White people, regardless of how ‘woke’ they are, contribute to racism,” and that instructed small group leaders to encourage employees to avoid “narratives” that Americans should “be more color-blind..."

More excerpts:

Training materials from Argonne National Laboratories, a Federal entity, stated that racism “is interwoven into every fabric of America” and described statements like “color blindness” and the “meritocracy” as “actions of bias.”

Materials from Sandia National Laboratories, also a Federal entity, for non-minority males stated that an emphasis on “rationality over emotionality” was a characteristic of “white male[s],” and asked those present to “acknowledge” their “privilege” to each other.

A Smithsonian Institution museum graphic recently claimed that concepts like “[o]bjective, rational linear thinking,” “[h]ard work” being “the key to success,” the “nuclear family,” and belief in a single god are not values that unite Americans of all races but are instead “aspects and assumptions of whiteness.” The museum also stated that “[f]acing your whiteness is hard and can result in feelings of guilt, sadness, confusion, defensiveness, or fear.”

...That's why we have resources like support groups and books and stuff, or the Smithsonian's own website on self-care, so people can learn to handle those feelings.

But training like that discussed above perpetuates racial stereotypes and division and can use subtle coercive pressure to ensure conformity of viewpoint. Such ideas may be fashionable in the academy, but they have no place in programs and activities supported by Federal taxpayer dollars.

Above: Reverse racism myth turned into federal funding and law.

To be absolutely clear (because I mentioned this executive order to some people and there was confusion) -- the executive order is taking basic anti-racism 101, equity 101 training and information, and framing it as hate crimes against white men.

Ie, "color-blindness is not a good approach to solving issues around racism" is, like, a really basic statement. "Let's talk about privileges you might have" is again, super basic workshop material on thinking about power structures. For more info, the Smithsonian has like the most officially approved, vetted, researched six-ways-from-Sunday, friendly-looking materials on race and equity: https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race

And that's the stuff that the executive order is trying to vilify and trying to quash.

But what does this mean for, say, the Smithsonian Musuem or other federal affiliated agencies? I'm not sure. Not good, I'd assume. if I hear anything concrete I'll post about it.

On one hand, I wonder if it's also just part of feeding into the fascism-as-normal status, which is useful for the administration to prop up. I've been hearing some news about how the upcoming election could turn into a dangerous situation. And this executive order is maybe just one more bit of fodder to egg that on. IDK.

Anyway, in terms of funding, ie, the Smithsonian is funded partly by trust funds (in addition to federal funding). I've heard that this gives them some leeway? That they're being targeted in particular still worries me.

Also, to learn more about how racism “is interwoven into every fabric of America”
is actually pretty true, may I suggest Kendi's Stamped from the Beginning, or the shorter-and-easier-to-read middle school remix Stamped?

Or for a book that tells you, "Yes, you're going to get Feelings, and that's potentially part of the process, take a breath," try Saad's Me and White Supremacy. Also, as mentioned, Smithsonian's own website on self-care.