Racial Justice: A Benefit for Low-Income White Families Too
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In 2018, the largest voting group for Republicans consisted of non-college-educated white men (66%) and women (56%), followed closely by college-educated white men (51%). These figures remain consistently stable across elections. This demographic includes a diverse array of individuals, from minimum-wage workers to tradespeople, and many professionals, with incomes that range from below the poverty threshold to the so-called middle class.
Despite being the group that could gain the most from enhanced government programs, these white voters often oppose such initiatives. Their commitment to a set of principles that are detrimental to their own interests is perplexing. Many wonder how they can consistently vote against their own well-being. The inequalities faced by economically disadvantaged white individuals mirror those experienced by other low-income and minority communities.
For instance, making access to social services like TANF and SNAP more difficult for Black individuals simultaneously complicates access for poor white individuals. Likewise, restrictions placed on minority voting rights also hinder white voter participation. The lack of access to affordable healthcare, nutritious food, and decent housing affects poor white families as well. Historically, white supremacy has harmed individuals across all racial groups, with poor white people often suffering collateral damage from an ideology they frequently endorse.
It is crucial for America to convey to poor white individuals that they too are victims—albeit in different ways—of the systemic preservation of white supremacy. It's important to clarify that while poor white individuals do not endure the same oppressive experiences as Black communities, they are still affected as collateral victims. This is primarily to benefit the wealthy white elite who continue to accumulate wealth.
> “…in one industry, diversity numbers seem like they’re straight out of the 19th century: Firms owned by white men manage a stunning 98.7% of the $69 trillion managed by the U.S. asset management industry. That’s according to a 2019 Knight Foundation analysis, and includes hedge funds, mutual funds, real estate funds, and private equity funds.” (Morris, 2020)
While white individuals may face classism within the broader spectrum of racial injustice, it manifests in tangible ways when Republicans target social programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security—affecting poor white families. Moreover, tax breaks and bailouts favoring corporations disproportionately impact low-income individuals. Such fiscal policies significantly limit the resources available for social programs aimed at alleviating poverty.
Despite the negative consequences of these policies, white individuals often vote for the very politicians whose agendas undermine their quality of life. It appears as though they are aware of their victimization yet choose to endure hardship for the sake of opposing racial equality. While some extremists may consciously make this choice, many poor white individuals likely do not realize the extent to which they are affected by the policies supported by their political affiliations.
This lack of awareness stems from the propaganda of Republican politics and a reluctance to consider alternative viewpoints. This dynamic has persisted for decades, with current politics reflecting a culmination of right-wing propaganda. As the political landscape shifted rightward, Democrats attempted to compromise, resulting in a scenario where liberalism has moved toward the center-right, while conservatism has embraced increasingly extreme views.
Beneficiaries
The Civil Rights movements, predominantly led by Black individuals, have significantly benefited various groups, including white people, Latinos, and the LGBTQ community. The stereotype of government assistance recipients as primarily Black, perpetuated by Republican rhetoric, misleads white individuals into believing they are unfairly treated regarding their tax contributions. The reality is quite different.
Republicans often transform significant issues into culture wars, a tactic that has roots in the Nixon era. White individuals must understand how much they gain from the same programs that assist other marginalized groups.
A 2017 report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) revealed that 6.2 million working-age white individuals were lifted above the poverty line in 2014 due to the TANF program, compared to 2.8 million Black individuals and 2.4 million Hispanics. Furthermore, a 2015 Department of Agriculture report indicated that over 40% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients are poor white individuals, in contrast to 25.7% Black, 10.3% Hispanic, 2.1% Asian, and 1.2% Native American recipients.
The image of the so-called welfare queen shifts significantly when viewed through these statistics. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that although white individuals have benefited from racial justice efforts, they still experience advantages compared to Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). The message that needs to resonate with white America is that equality does not equate to loss; rather, it involves creating sufficient resources to elevate everyone from poverty. True equality ensures that underserved communities have access to the same services and opportunities enjoyed by white individuals.
> “People of all races and ethnic groups who lack a bachelor’s degree receive significant help from the safety net, but on two significant metrics, the results for white working-age adults stand out. Among working-age adults without a college degree, 6.2 million whites are lifted above the poverty line by the safety net — more than any other racial or ethnic group. In addition, the percentage of people who would otherwise be poor that safety net programs lift out of poverty is greater for white working-age adults without a college degree than for other adults without a college degree. Still, poverty rates among people without a college degree are substantially higher for blacks and Hispanics than for whites — whether or not safety net assistance is considered.” (Shapiro, Trisi, Chaudhry, 2017)
Despite receiving a significant share of assistance, many white individuals argue that if they were provided the same resources available in affluent suburbs, they would have a better chance of escaping poverty. Interestingly, that is precisely what Black civil rights leaders, Indigenous communities, and Latinos advocate for. The fight for equality is not an indictment against white individuals; rather, it benefits everyone, including poor white families.
No one is attempting to deliver retribution to white individuals for historical injustices. There is no intent to target white people in this struggle for equality. The pursuit of equality should be viewed as advantageous for economically disadvantaged white individuals.
The Bottom Line
The essential takeaway is that white individuals must confront their responsibilities. While I maintain that the burden of change should not rest solely on BIPOC communities, I have provided actionable steps that white individuals can take to combat rising white extremism. I reiterate my commitment to fostering discussions surrounding race relations, whether with colleagues, family, or friends, using these indisputable facts as a foundation to counter extremist views.
Be prepared for resistance, as some individuals will remain willfully ignorant and comfortable in their hatred. However, proactive efforts are necessary, as no group understands white individuals better than other white individuals. To address the issues surrounding racist ideologies, more effort from white individuals is essential. This responsibility cannot fall solely on BIPOC communities; it lies with you.
References
Morris D. (2020). Investment management is overwhelmingly dominated by white men — and it’s costing you money. https://fortune.com/2020/06/19/investment-management-diversity-hedge-funds-mutual-funds-real-estate-pe-private-equity/
Shapiro I., Trisi D., Chaudhry R. (2017). Poverty Reduction Programs Help Adults Lacking College Degrees the Most. https://www.cbpp.org/research/poverty-and-inequality/poverty-reduction-programs-help-adults-lacking-college-degrees-the
Arturo is an anti-racist politics enthusiast, journalist, and founder of The Antagonist Magazine. He is a leading voice on racism on Medium and contributes regularly to various media outlets. Arturo is also a proud member of the Writers and Editors of Color (#WEOC) Collective. For further insights into the topics discussed here, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also support his work here.
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