White Supremacist Activity in the Bay Area: Observations and Insights
Since the election of President Donald Trump, there has been a notable increase in the activities of white supremacist organizations. However, it is essential to understand the nuances of this rise, especially in the context of the San Francisco Bay Area. The Bay Area, known for its progressive and liberal atmosphere, has a relatively low incidence of such organizations compared to more rural areas of California.
The Minimal Impact in the Bay Area
The level of white supremacist activity in the Bay Area remains minimal. In the Bay Area, openly identifying with non-politically correct (non-PC) groups can be severely detrimental to one's career. For instance, the case of Brendan Eich, who supported social conservatism on gay marriages, serves as a stark example. This stance was deemed unacceptable in the Bay Area, leading to significant career repercussions. Eich eventually had to resign from his position at Mozilla due to the social controversy surrounding his initial statement on gay marriages.
Backlash and Career Consequences
Eich's case is indicative of the strong backlash that proponents of non-PC viewpoints face in the Bay Area. The region's culture and expectations around social issues are quite different from other parts of the country. This is reflected in the residential and professional environments, where any display of white supremacist or nationalist views can lead to severe career consequences.
Rural Areas vs. Urban Centers
While there are no significant anti-PC groups in the actual urban areas of the Bay Area, the situation is different in rural parts of California. White nationalist groups are more active in these regions. The transition from a minimal to a slightly increased presence can show a significant rise. For instance, the incidence might go from 0.001 to 0.002, representing a 100% increase. However, these movements are typically short-lived when individuals enter the Bay Area. These groups usually don't last long due to the region's overall diverse and inclusive atmosphere.
Police Ignorance and Gang Surveillance
California, while having the highest number of white supremacist, fascist, and neo-Nazi groups in the nation, has a concerning issue with police ignoring these groups. According to the California Gang Database, 95% of the entries are of black and brown individuals—many of whom are placed on the watch list through arbitrary means. For example, being related to someone in a gang or having an overlooked interaction with the police can lead to such listings.
Personal Experiences and Rising Tensions
As someone who has personally observed these changes, I can confirm a noticeable increase in white supremacist activities. A notable incident occurred on Christmas Day 2016 in San Jose on the Capitol Expressway, where I saw a pickup truck displaying two American flags. One flag was the standard red, white, and blue US flag, while the other was a black and white variant, often used by white supremacists to symbolize the society they envision.
These groups are becoming more vocal and want to make their presence known in the area. It is expected that there will be an increase in such activities following the inauguration of President Trump, as his political platform is often seen as favorable to such groups.
In conclusion, while the Bay Area does not see a significant rise in white supremacist organizations, other parts of California, particularly rural areas, do experience more active movements. The region's inclusive culture and stringent career repercussions for non-PC views help mitigate the influence of such groups. However, the landscape is changing, and it is crucial for communities to remain vigilant and engaged in promoting inclusivity and diversity.