In these past years, we have seen a growing awareness and consciousness of what it means to be a minority. Yes, since the election of President Barack Obama, America’s first African-American president, we have finally moved towards the grand “post-racial” society that we have dreamed about. The society has become more inclusive to racial and ethnic minorities, and everyone is finally being accurately represented in America. However, one group of American citizens has increasingly been marginalized and forced into a monolith that does not accurately represented their immense diversity.

I am speaking, of course, of the American Bigot.

The American Bigot (or Bigoted-American) forms one of the most integral parts of the fabric of American society. From the founding of the nation, Bigoted-Americans have contributed to American society by building the country’s roads, teaching in the country’s schools, and actively denying minorities the opportunities to participate in society. But, in the past few years, bigots have been increasingly ostracized and cannot express their own individual truths. They have been forced into one inaccurate monolithic stereotype. They simply cannot come out for fear of being discriminated against. Well, I’ve had enough of it. I am taking a stand against this oppression. I am taking a stand against the stories the media feeds you and offering a more holistic view of Bigoted-Americans. I present to you The Spectrum of Bigoted-Americans. Hopefully, this can offer some more insight into the diversity of bigotry in this nation.

1. The Klansman - When the media propagates images of bigotry and white supremacy, this is the side of the Bigoted-American that they commonly show. The Klansman openly and actively hates all racial minorities. He does not try to hide his racism, but instead embraces the tradition of his forefathers. Klansmen might commonly believe in outdated sciences such as phrenology and eugenics. Due to the increasing societal pressures, the Klansman has been forced to take his views underground into like-minded militias, as well as fringe religious and political groups. Commonly confused with a white supremacist.
   1. The Klansmen supports white supremacy. However, white supremacy is a large overarching term defined as a system of exploitation to maintain wealth, power and white privilege. (White privilege is the unacknowledged system of favoritism and advantage granted to white people as the beneficiaries of historical conquest i.e easy loans, band aids that match your skin). They do not have a monopoly on the name.
      1. For those of you skeptical of flesh colored band aids being a consequence of white privilege, check #46 in the link provided.
   2. The name “Klansmen” has come under critique in past years because not only does it exclude other more extreme Bigoted-Americans, but it also enforces patriarchal oppression. One is advised to use the gender neutral “Klansperson” or even “Extreme Bigoted-American”.
2. The Closeted Extreme Bigot-American - The Closeted Extreme Bigot-American (or CEBA) has many of the same views as the “Klansmen”. They have a very active and virile hatred of racial and ethnic minorities, but due to their close proximity to people of color, or their fear of social ostracization, they keep many of their views to themselves. When they are behind closed doors, however, their true bigotry is released. Some elitist institutions such as colleges and universities, businesses, and country clubs act as support groups to many CEBAs.
3. The Money Maker - The Money Maker is an interesting case on the Spectrum of Bigoted-American. because their racism may not be that intense. They may (or may not) like and respect people of color. However, their greed outweighs their morality in many instances. They will do anything if it means they will save money or gain a cheap dollar. Finding a cheaper water supply for a city? Doesn’t matter if the water is unsafe to drink, they’re saving money! Building a new gentrification project throughout the whole city? It may displace many poor people of color, but at least they’re making money! A very dangerous mindset.
4. The American Dreamer - The American Dreamer has a strong sense of patriotism and American exceptionalism. This sense is so strong that they willingly deny any instances of racism or bigotry. They will cite many other factors as causes for the plight of people of color, most notably individual laziness. Racism, in their minds, is not intrinsically intertwined with American institutions, but instead is simply the cause of some of the fringe in society. America, by ending the obvious forms of discrimination, has moved closer to the ideal put forth in the Constitution. They do not see a need to talk about race anymore.
5. The Apathetics - Apathetics are probably the most dangerous on The Spectrum of Bigoted-Americans as they are truly neutral. They are in the middle of the spectrum between the most active and most passive of racists. They do not actively go out to oppress any minorities, but they do not attempt to advocate for them either. Apathetics do not give much thought to racism. They are the most dangerous of Bigoted-Americans for two reasons.
   1. 1) Their apathy paves the way for oppressors to carry out their plans for racial oppression.
   2. 2) They can be influenced to move towards more radicalism with effective propaganda and lies, i.e. Fox News.
6. The Active Denialist - Active Denialists are aware of the bigotry which exists in the country, but do not think they are part of the problem. They deny that they themselves are Bigoted-Americans. They believe that having a couple of minority friends abdicates them from any bigotry. AD’s also buy into the notion that having minority friends makes them “hip” and “cool”. For instance, a Tokenator with some black friends might believe that he has the right to greet them with “whaddup my nigga?”. They insist that language like this is not offensive. They will also buy into revisionist history (for example, that slaves were happy, indentured servants) and cultural appropriation (see the career of Iggy Azalea, anything Kylie Jenner does).
   1. Cultural appropriation - the taking of another group’s cultural knowledge, traditions or practices to use for self-benefit. Objectifies and commodifies while ignoring the group’s political struggles.
7. Casual Racist - The Diet Racist does not actively or aggressively discriminate against people of color. In fact, they are aware of racial oppression and may try to combat it in some small ways. Instead, their bigotry lays latent beneath their consciousness, bubbling up to the surface in casual conversation. Some common expressions of the Casual Racist:
   1. “I’m not racist, but I [insert racist statement here].”
   2. “Why do minorities need affirmative action? That’s reverse racism.”
   3. “Why isn’t there a white history month and/or White Entertainment Television?”
   4. “ #BlackLivesMatter? How about #AllLivesMatter.”

This is only a very small sampling of all the sayings Casual Racists have in their lexicon. Any attempts to correct them will prompt a strong denial of their own bigotry.

The American Bigot is one of the largest interest groups in American society. From amber waves of grain to purple mountain majesties, the Bigoted-American lives and works. In the past years, they have been pushed to the sidelines of American society. They have been conflated into one monolith. I hope I shed light on the diversity within the Bigoted-American community. Hopefully, with this knowledge you can combat oppression more effectively. Or do nothing. I guess that would make you an Apathetic then.