The Pacific Northwest and the Underlying Factors Behind the Presence of White Supremacists and Right-Wing Groups

The theory that the Pacific Northwest is a hotbed for white nationalists and ultra-right wing groups is a common misconception perpetuated by sensationalized media reports. Historically, the region has been home to a largely white population, and there are several factors that have contributed to the prevalent perception. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the presence of white supremacists and right-wing groups in the Pacific Northwest, debunking misconceptions and examining the realities.

Historical Context and Demographics

The center of gravity for white supremacists has steadily shifted from the deep south to the northern states, including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Historically, these regions have had low non-white populations (Historical Context and Demographics). For much of the 20th century, the Pacific Northwest was seen as a haven for whites, with little government interference and plenty of space for individuals who favored a self-reliant lifestyle. This is largely due to the historical immigration patterns and limited minorities.

Immigration Patterns and Limited Minorities

Washington, Oregon, and Idaho have always had low non-white populations. The primary inhabitants for centuries have been Native Americans, and it wasn’t until World War II and the construction of major military facilities that minorities began to relocate to the area in significant numbers. However, even then, the numbers were far lower than in California. Beyond the Native peoples who lived in the region, there weren’t many reasons for non-whites to move to the rural areas. Economic opportunities were limited in most of the region, leading to limited minority migration.

Historical Anti-Asian Pogroms

There were several anti-Asian pogroms in the Pacific Northwest during the 19th century. These events had a dual effect, driving Asians to major cities or entirely out of the region. Since authorities did little to punish the perpetrators, it became clear that openly racist behaviors were acceptable and tolerated. This historical context has contributed to a racist history that still haunts the region.

Marketing of “Whiteness”

The “whiteness” of the region was often marketed as a selling point. Many white police officers and civil servant retirees, especially from Southern California, were attracted to the low cost of living and lack of diversity (see The “Whiteness” of the Area). In particular, the Panhandle region of Idaho has been a stronghold for white nationalists and racist groups. Real estate developers catering to these individuals emphasized the area’s low cost of living and lack of minorities, leading to a concentration of white supremacists and right-wing groups.

No Major Efforts to Diversify

While there have been rhetoric about increasing diversity in the region, there hasn’t been a concerted effort to attract minorities. Seattle, for example, has seen some minority growth, but this is more a result of the relocation of certain tech industry aspects and the expansion of Joint Base McChord-Lewis, rather than a concerted effort to diversify. The region has maintained a majority white population for nearly 150 years, and this demographic reality has made it a favorable location for those with extremist ideologies.

Current Context and Media Misconceptions

Today, the Pacific Northwest is not a hub for white nationalists and right-wing groups, despite media portrayals. Local opinion leaders and residents, like those from Washington state, emphasize that there are no reports of white nationalists engaging in criminal activities. The real danger comes from liberal-leftists who engage in acts of vandalism, violence, and even attempts to attack law enforcement officers. These individuals are far more numerous and brazen than any group on the right (see Why the Media Gets the Pacific Northwest Wrong (Part 2)).

The misconception arises from media reports that often focus on very small and marginal groups, leading to a distorted reality. When there is a neo-Nazi or white nationalist rally, the number of participants is often far outweighed by the number of reporters (see Why the Media Gets the Pacific Northwest Wrong (Part 1)).

Conclusion

The Pacific Northwest is not home to a significant number of white nationalists or right-wing groups. Instead, the region is characterized by a predominantly white population and a history that has led to a perception of whiteness. While there have been occasional rallies and groups, they do not represent a major part of the region’s makeup. The current dangers in the region are more related to acts of violence and vandalism by liberal-leftists than by white supremacists. As the region continues to evolve, it is important to understand the historical context and the realities of the current population to avoid repeating false narratives.

Keywords: Pacific Northwest, White Supremacists, White Nationalism, Ultra-Right Wing, Racism, Immigration Patterns, Historical Pogroms, Marketing of Whiteness, Diversity Efforts, Liberal-Leftist Violence