Renaud Camus, a racist French writer, coined the “great replacement” formulation. Camus falsely depicted non-white immigration to France from the decolonized Middle East and Africa as an attempt by a sinister “replacist” elite to destroy native French demographics and culture. His 2010 work was influenced by far-right anti-immigrant British politician Enoch Powell, interwar French literary fascist Charles Maurras and Jean Raspail, author of the 1973 racist, dystopian novel, The Camp of the Saints (Southern Poverty Law Center, 2022). At its core, GRT is fueled by White Supremacy and influences Christian Nationalism. Of course, the ideas that support GRT go back centuries, and hatred of the other has existed for as long as human beings have encountered new people outside their tribe.
GRT is the foundation for much of the anti-immigrant and fearmongering that is taking place in politics around the world, and many people of so-called faith have rallied behind it. It rose up angrily when Pres. Obama was elected and was part of the backlash that drove people to the polls in 2016 and 2020. GRT is touted by politicians at every level and is central to the opposition of movements like Black Lives Matter and banning books about and for LGBTQ people and People of Color. And, of course, it has found its darkest expressions among Nazis and hate groups like the KKK, both of which have found support in churches. And still do.
The rap/hip hop group Public Enemy knew this when they released “Fear of a Black Planet” in 1990. The 1940’s spawned an entire genre of White Power Country that was overtly racist and lasted for decades; the 1970’s birthed hateful, Nazi inspired Punk and Heavy Metal bands that still thrive around the world. Music can be healing; it can also fuel our worst inclinations. And let’s not forget Roger Waters of Pink Floyd and his long history of using anti-Semitic tropes in his music. Politicians use this history to support fear and violence, warning of bloodbaths and mayhem if they don’t get elected. Their adherents have guns, and they are not afraid to use them. The January 6 insurrection is proof of their willingness to destroy and dismantle democracy.
What can we do? We can listen carefully to what people say, and we can speak up when we hear this kind of rhetoric. Too often this doctrine of hate is couched in words that sound like patriotism and faith; it takes some effort to actually hear what is being said. We can pay attention to what is happening at school board meetings – we can see where there is inclusion and where there is not. We can vote with our feet and with our money, and we can ask pointed questions of our public servants. Anyone can use God and the Scriptures, and anyone can wave a flag. Whether they actually love this country and live their faith is hard to discern, so pay attention. These movements are insidious and destructive and evil. Be aware and be vigilant.
Prayer – Forgive us for using Your name in vain, God, and give us the willingness to hold back the powers of destruction and hate that could consume all of us. Amen.
Today’s image is a flyer that was distributed in Northern Alabama in December, 2015.