The tragic mass shootings at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, have inspired debate on a variety of issues, including gun control, Islamophobia, and white supremacy. One raised by many on the left and the press is the supposed global rise of white nationalism. When interviewed on the subject, President Donald Trump stated his belief that white supremacists represent a “small group of people.”
As you might guess, progressives took issue with the president’s comments, claiming that white supremacy is a growing threat around the world. While there has certainly been a backlash against the immigration policies that the European Union has forced upon its member nations, it is possible the claim that white nationalism is burgeoning in the Western world could be exaggerated.
Democrats Take Issue With Trump
On the day of the shooting, President Trump spoke with reporters about the incident. When asked to give his thoughts on the rise of white nationalism, he said: “I think it’s a small group of people that have very, very serious problems.”
Progressives took to the airwaves and social media to lambast the president for his comments, arguing that he was downplaying the threat of white supremacist attacks on a global scale. In an appearance on CNN, Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN) stated:
“I’m deeply disappointed in the president’s dismissal, Jake. You’ve seen these facts. I’ve seen these facts. The FBI has reaffirmed these facts. Even during my time at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, white supremacy and white supremacist activity was still an issue, particularly in the ranks of law enforcement.”
Race-baiter extraordinaire Shaun King also tweeted his disapproval: “F—— infuriating. The press just asked Trump if he believed white nationalism and white supremacy is a growing problem around the world? He then said ‘No. Not really.’”
On CNN, a former CIA operative said: “What he was doing in New Zealand is trying to incite Americans to pick up arms against outsiders. This movement is much more dangerous right now than the Islamic State.”
The threat of white supremacist attacks is definitely an issue in the Western world; the United States has seen more than its fair share of these acts. But is it true that people are in more danger from racist extremists than other types of terrorism?
What’s the Truth?
The shooter outlined the motivation behind his murderous acts in a manifesto that he published online. In the document, he expressed animus toward Muslims who immigrate into Western nations and lamented the perceived decline of whites in Europe. From his writings, it is clear that he is an ethnonationalist attempting to spark a violent conflict between minorities and whites in the West.
Left-leaning news outlets have published a significant number of articles over the years claiming that white nationalism is on the rise globally, and that these individuals pose a threat to Western civilization. But it is important to note that these reports do not refer to any studies or authenticated data on the number of individuals affiliated with extremist groups.
When it comes to terrorist attacks in Europe, the E.U. Terrorism and Trend Report reveals that both attempted and successful white nationalist attacks increased from 65 in 2015 to 99 in 2016. These numbers might seem to support the argument of the left, but it is worth pointing out that Islamic terrorist attacks are still far more deadly than those perpetrated by white supremacists.
Indeed, the annual E.U. study shows that that in 2016, 135 of the total 142 victims of terrorism were killed by Islamic extremists; in 2015, 687 people were murdered by jihadists. It is clear that there is a significant gap between the number of victims killed by members of white nationalist and Islamist groups.
It appears that the tragic massacre in New Zealand is not an indication that white nationalist terror is a growing threat to the West. While the number of attacks has increased, the number of victims has not seen much of a rise, especially when compared to Islamic terrorism. This is not to say that the authorities should ignore any type of terrorism. However, it seems clear that the progressive left uses the Christchurch event for one purpose: to perpetuate the false narrative of widespread white bigotry.
Readers: Feel free to comment below. And remember to check out the web’s best conservative news aggregator Whatfinger.com
4 Comments
EchoLimaEcho
As a middle aged white male, I am really getting fed up with the constant “hate speech” I get to hear about my race. The left really needs to quit their Bych-fest. Talk about a bunch of whiners.
mlopez
Better, if Trump just secured the border as he promised to get elected and whatever it takes too. All the court rulings, congress, the media and Trump’s excuses sure aren’t getting it done. I think what it needs is a GOP challenge in the primary. The voters, his base, a growing number of whom are getting feed up with his excuses, failures and bullschit promises aren’t happy with his non performance at the border, his failure to stop funding sanctuary cities and his failure to begin rounding up illegals. I sure as hell am and I’m not afraid to say so either. and BTW
I just cancelled Fox from my Cox cable package. They give you ten days to turn in the box. I kept the internet connection and phone line and they doubled my speed for no extra charge, but I will now need new TV provider, if I intend to watch TV, which I may, or may not.
Cox cable has Fox so intertwined into their packages you can’t remove just Fox. You can pay for Fox and they will block it for you, but what’;s the use of any of that? If Fox and Cox both don’t feel any pain in their bottom line why would they even care? I wonder how many others will take the trouble to let them know that Donna Brazil, a cheat, a liar and a criminal and Paul Ryan who is even worse and then the censoring of Judge simply aren’t acceptable?
To hell with Donna Brazil, Paul Ryan and the entire Murdock Family. I hope their tongues turn black. Good riddance to Fox. I will not submit. I will never surrender.
frankstclair
Those claiming white supremacy is rising make dumb statements that impact their credibility. Terms like “dog whistle,” and claiming the OK hand sign are white supremacy “signals,” are insane. Muslim terrorists are using suicide bombers, mass shootings, beheadings, rape, and acid attacks.
Diogenes
What else would we expect from the Left and their handmaidens who control the media?
No matter what Donald Trump does, it is always his fault, and he is to blame. It’s damned if he does, and damned if he doesn’t.
“If you want to beat a dog, you can always find a stick.”