By Melissa Nalani Ross

In the course of my research I was recently flipping through the latest Citizens Informer, the hate newsletter of the Council of Conservative Citizens (CofCC) – an organization “advocating against minorities and racial integration” ­– expecting the usual fare of bigotry against non-whites. From issue to issue, I’m never particularly taken aback anymore by the masquerade of polished rhetoric used to rationalize their racism. Senator Barack Obama has been fodder for most of their attacks as of late, so I was expecting more of the same.

To my surprise, however, in Joel T. LeFevre’s “Editor’s Note,” he not only questioned Obama as a worthy candidate for president, but also Governor Sarah Palin’s competence as a potential vice president. His rejection of her capability was in no way tied to a lack of foreign policy experience, her stance on the economy or the war in Iraq. It was simply based on the fact that she is a woman. In his explanation of the CofCC’s viewpoint on Palin and women in leadership, LeFevre states,

The traditional role of the man as head of household and in general leadership is now widely considered “archaic.” We do not accept this view, and regard it as further eroding the basis and continuity of our culture and civilization . . .

What we [the CofCC] emphasize is that God and Nature have established distinct roles for the sexes, and these roles are vital to the health and survival of the whole species. Violating them brings very serious consequences that include in our time a staggering rate of divorce and (for whites) a below-replacement birthrate level.

While we recognize that there have been exceptional instances of outstanding leadership from women over the ages, we also recognize that the exception proves the rule–it does not supersede the rule. Arguments by exception are not real arguments . . .

Now why would a white nationalist organization care about the gender of a candidate or if women take on leadership positions within our society? Gov. Palin’s politics are actually more aligned with their ideology than John McCain’s in many ways, so why does she concern them?

Simply put, white nationalism isn’t purely about whiteness (no pun intended), just as feminism isn’t purely about abortion, and criminal justice reform isn’t purely about abolishing the death penalty. Rather, white nationalism is a movement aimed squarely at making sure that those who have historically held power in the United States continue to do so.

In this country, Christian, heterosexual men of Western-European ancestry have dominated our leadership, guided our international and domestic policies, and run our economy. They have served as our archetypal superheroes and “good guys” in films and tv shows and provided our public face in international affairs. Essentially, white men have always typified the American identity.

It is in preserving this control, this prestige and this paradigm that white nationalism has its roots. It is as much about race, therefore, as it is about gender, religion and sexual orientation. It is an attack on all people who do not fit within the confines of their definition of “American,” – a definition that excludes women. LeFevre and the white nationalist movement are keenly aware that Palin’s name, as well as Sen. Barack Obama’s, even appearing on the ballot is an obstacle in preserving their ideal status quo, therefore both presidential tickets serve as a threat.

As the United States transforms into a country more willing to empower those who have not had the opportunity before – as is being demonstrated in our presidential election – will our national identity evolve with our changing demographics and demands for equality? The CofCC and larger white nationalist movement feel they are facing the scariest presidential election in history. I feel like it’s an amazing opportunity.

In a diversifying United States – a diversity impacted not only by changing demographics, but changing points of view – we are given a unique opportunity to change social norms and redefine our American identity as something more inclusive, less limited and more accepting and celebratory of our differences.