Why Do Many White Anglo-Saxon Americans Hate Themselves and Join Anti-WASP Ideologies such as Islamism and Communism?

Why Do Many White Anglo-Saxon Americans Hate Themselves and Join Anti-WASP Ideologies such as Islamism and Communism?

By Bobby Darvish
Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

As an Iranian-American who has traversed the ideological spectrum—from growing up in a culture that embraced socialist ideals, to working as a leader in the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Forum of Utah—I have seen firsthand the transformation of ideologies within American society, particularly the rise of self-loathing among white Anglo-Saxon Protestants (WASPs). It seems that many of my fellow Americans, especially those of European descent, have fallen into the trap of hating their own culture, history, and heritage. Instead of appreciating the values that built the greatest nation in human history, some have embraced anti-WASP ideologies such as Islamism and Communism, which seek to undermine the very foundations of the West.

The Roots of Self-Hatred

The phenomenon of self-hatred among white Americans is multifaceted. Part of it lies in the pervasive narrative of “white guilt,” which has been amplified by the media, academia, and activist groups. This narrative suggests that white people, particularly those of Anglo-Saxon descent, are inherently privileged, oppressive, and responsible for all the world’s injustices. These ideological forces push a revisionist history that emphasizes the sins of past generations—such as slavery, colonialism, and imperialism—while conveniently ignoring the many contributions of Western civilization, including the abolition of slavery, the spread of democracy, and the establishment of human rights.

For some white Americans, the pressure to conform to this guilt-driven narrative has led them to question their identity and place in the world. As they become disillusioned with their own cultural history, they often look for alternative ideologies that offer a sense of belonging and purpose. This is where Islamism and Communism come into play.

Islamism: A Religion of Rejection

Islamism, which is distinct from Islam as a faith, is a political ideology that seeks to impose a rigid, theocratic interpretation of Islam upon society. It is an ideology that has attracted individuals from all backgrounds, but particularly those who feel disconnected from their cultural roots and are searching for an identity that offers them a sense of meaning in an increasingly secular world.

For some white Americans, the allure of Islamism is its rejection of the individualism, freedom, and democracy that are the cornerstones of Western civilization. Islamism offers an alternative, authoritarian worldview that places the community above the individual and calls for the subjugation of personal freedoms in the name of religious purity. This ideological shift allows some white Americans to reject the very principles that have defined their nation in favor of an oppressive system that contradicts the liberties they once took for granted.

Islamism's rise among disaffected white Americans can also be seen in the context of a broader, globalized world where Western values and institutions are increasingly criticized. By adopting Islamism, some are attempting to align themselves with what they perceive as a powerful resistance movement against the West, particularly against American imperialism and capitalism. In doing so, they not only reject their own cultural heritage but also align themselves with a political ideology that seeks to undermine the principles of democracy, free speech, and religious liberty.

Communism: A False Promise of Equality

Communism, like Islamism, offers a radical alternative to the capitalist and democratic values that have defined the West. The promise of equality and the eradication of class distinctions is appealing to those who feel alienated by the economic systems they see around them. Yet, communism’s core principles are deeply flawed and have led to widespread poverty, oppression, and the loss of individual freedoms wherever it has been implemented.

For many white Americans, particularly those in the far-left movement, communism offers a seemingly noble cause—the fight for the downtrodden and the disenfranchised. But in their eagerness to embrace this cause, they overlook the catastrophic consequences that have followed in the wake of communism throughout history. From the Soviet Union to Maoist China, communism has led to the deaths of millions of people, the suppression of free speech, and the destruction of personal liberty. Despite this, many white Americans have been seduced by the promise of a utopian society that, in reality, is built upon the suffering of others.

For these individuals, the allure of communism lies in its rejection of the perceived inequalities within capitalist societies. Communism offers an alternative where power is centralized, and wealth is redistributed in the name of “equality.” Yet, this ideal is a dangerous fallacy that fails to account for the inherent human desire for freedom, innovation, and individuality. The romanticization of communism by disillusioned white Americans often blinds them to the historical reality of what it has wrought.

The Desire to Escape Reality

Why, then, do so many white Americans gravitate toward these anti-WASP ideologies? The answer lies in their desire to escape from the complexity and responsibility of preserving the values and traditions that have made the West prosperous. The modern world is full of distractions and challenges, and many find it easier to adopt ideologies that offer clear-cut answers and an “us versus them” mentality. By rejecting their own cultural history, they feel a sense of freedom from the complexities of modern life and the weight of historical guilt.

However, this rejection comes at a high cost. In embracing ideologies like Islamism and Communism, many are abandoning the very principles that have made the West a beacon of freedom and prosperity. They are, in effect, turning their backs on the values that have allowed them to live in a society where individual rights, free speech, and the pursuit of happiness are guaranteed.

The Path Forward: Embracing Western Values

As someone who has experienced the radicalizing influence of ideologies like Islamism and socialism firsthand, I urge my fellow Americans—particularly those of Anglo-Saxon heritage—not to fall prey to the false promises of these movements. Instead, I encourage them to rediscover and embrace the values that have made America a shining example of freedom, democracy, and individual liberty.

It is not enough to simply reject the ideologies that seek to destroy our way of life; we must also actively promote the ideals that have made Western civilization a force for good in the world. These values include individual liberty, religious freedom, the rule of law, and the sanctity of life. Only by returning to these principles can we ensure that America remains a place of opportunity and prosperity for generations to come.

Conclusion

The rise of self-hatred among some white Americans, and their embrace of anti-WASP ideologies like Islamism and Communism, represents a dangerous trend that threatens the very foundations of Western civilization. As an Iranian-American who has experienced the destructive power of these ideologies firsthand, I implore my fellow Americans to reject the false promises of these movements and instead embrace the values that have made our country great. The future of America depends on it.

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Citations:

1. “The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression.” Stéphane Courtois, Harvard University Press, 1999.
2. “The Political and Theological Roots of Islamist Terrorism.” Daniel Pipes, Middle East Forum, 2004.
3. “The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution.” Francis Fukuyama, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011.
4. “Islamism: A Challenge to Liberalism.” John L. Esposito, Oxford University Press, 2010.
5. “The Road to Serfdom.” Friedrich Hayek, University of Chicago Press, 1944.