Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
The King of U.S. Grand Lodge recently published a brief statement reiterating the official statements from the Supreme Grand Council in 2017 which proclaimed that U.S. O.T.O. rejects racism and sexism and that these viewpoints are counter to our goals as an organization.
I would like to expand on this more recent announcement with ideas on how we can best safeguard our community from white supremacy, misogyny, homophobia, and all forms of bigotry, with specific emphasis on opposing white supremacy (aka “racism”) and the infiltration of the alt-right into occult communities.
Within the last decade, online communities of white supremacy have exploded in number. The “subtle” racism that never left white communities has been magnified into an outright hatred towards racial minorities and a collective call for a fascist white ethno-state. White nationalist terrorism is on the rise. The lax laws of the internet have allowed this hatred to proliferate unchecked and skilled propagandists have successfully radicalized thousands, if not millions, of (mostly) young men.
Persons radicalized by white supremacist ideals are a threat to our organization and a threat to the liberty of people of color world wide. Thus, strong and swift motions should be taken to prevent their entry into our organization and current members who insist on sticking to hateful ideologies above those of our Order should be removed from our ranks.
But how do we define “racism” and what more can we do to oppose it?
Understand the nature of racism
Racism is more than “hatred of a person for their race.” This is individual racism, however, there is also structural racism, institutional racism, and subtle racism. Understanding the structural roots of racism is important for combating it. In particular, it is important to be aware of the power dynamic between white people and people of color in the United States and the unique forms of oppression that are faced by immigrants and people of color in particular.
2. Oppose structural racism just as much as individual racism
This is not a partisan issue, as much as racists would claim it to be. Both conservatives and democrats can be racist. Both can oppose racism. Individuals of any political leaning can and do support Black Lives Matter. While it is obvious that someone who proclaims “I hate -insert minority group here-” is a racist, we also need to recognize that people who support structural racism are de facto racist and have no place in our communities.
3. Familiarize yourself with White Supremacist Lingo
The internet contains many rapidly evolving subcultures and it is important to stay up to date on the ever-changing lingo used by white supremacist communities online. For example, the use of the numbers 14 & 88, the “Jewish problem,” the “cookie monster problem,” “coal burner,” “nose check,” and “white genocide” are some common phrases and terms used by white supremacists of which many are not aware. Any uses of these terms should give us a strong indication that person supports racist ideologies.
4. Be Aware of the Arguments Racists Make
Most white supremacists will adamantly claim that they are not actually racist. They have many illegitimate arguments for why this is the case. They will claim, for instance, that the alt-right isn’t racist, that they are simply “proud to be white,” that they “don’t look down on black people,” or even that “people should not be judged by the color of their skin” (in an attempt to erase white privilege). It’s urgent that we stop indulging these kinds of disingenuous arguments. The truth is that white people who believe these things are merely interested in maintaining their privilege and are part of the larger problem of structural racism.
5. Act!
Call out subtle racism. Don’t sponsor racists. Educate your community about racism. Show your support for POC without hesitancy. Make it clear that racism is not tolerated. Realize that there is no difference between making racist statements online and making them in person. Suspend and expel when necessary. Be critical when there is a lack of diversity at your local body that does not simply reflect the surrounding areas. Denounce Crowley’s racist statements without making excuses for him.
Proclaim “Black Lives Matter” because they do, and to say so is not simply political, but objectively the truth. We have to be ready to act, unless we merely plan to take up a broom to sweep racism under the rug.
Whenever new boundaries are established, there is always at least a small amount of push back. However, I urge leaders to not fall in line with the complacency and silence (white) members may demand of us. This is an important moment to announce where we stand in the battle against tyranny, superstition, and oppression, and leave those who disagree in the past along with their racist ideals.
Love is the law, love under will.
Soror Amrita
Master, ARARITA Oasis