Throughline White Nationalism
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May 9, 2019 
In this engaging discussion, Sam Sanders, host of NPR's It's Been a Minute, and Adam Serwer, a staff writer at The Atlantic, delve into the historical roots of white nationalism in the U.S. They explore the influence of Madison Grant's ideas from the 1920s on modern politics, including immigration laws and their impact in Nazi Germany. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of past and present racial narratives, shedding light on how shifts in perceptions of 'whiteness' and current political rhetoric shape societal tensions today.
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1924 Act's White Nationalist Roots
- The 1924 Immigration Act restricted many non-Northern Europeans based on white nationalist ideas of Madison Grant.
- This old white nationalism directly influences current immigration debates in the Trump era.
White Genocide and Race Suicide
- The phrase 'white genocide' today echoes early 20th century 'race suicide' fears among white elites.
- These terms focus on the loss of white political and cultural dominance, not physical violence.
Madison Grant's Racial Hierarchy
- Madison Grant's pseudoscientific hierarchy placed Nordic peoples above Alpines and Mediterraneans.
- He falsely claimed Nordics were responsible for all major achievements, influencing immigration restrictions.
