In high school, I always wondered why my American history class was SO BORING. It wasn't until later that I realized we were learning a poorly written, sanitized myth. The Perspectives for Progress newsletter is dedicated to exposing how these historical myths obstruct informed, intersectional conversations. If we can't prioritize accurate historical reframing in our daily intake of news and information, how will we ever build a common dialogue amongst Black Americans, Indigenous peoples, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, other underrepresented groups, and our allies?

As described in the book Critical Race Theory by Neil Gotanda et al. regarding the era post the civil rights movement, “By and large, however, the very same whites who administered explicit policies of segregation and racial domination kept their jobs as decision makers in the employment offices of companies, admissions offices of schools, lending offices of banks, and so on. In institution after institution, progressive reformers found themselves struggling over the implementation of integrationist policy…”

This analysis clearly extends to those who create our textbooks and craft and enforce public policy. Polling suggests that racist decision-makers are now a slim minority, yet they wield significant power. And due to the flawed systems embedded in our constitution—which we will explore in detail later—white minority rule prevails.

Without dialogue aimed at challenging these inaccurate narratives and transforming America’s political institutions and culture, there is little hope of building a power-wielding ideological majority capable of transforming America into an equitable democracy.

Framing an Accurate Depiction of America's Past and Present

The myths of American history often portray its Founding Fathers as impartial architects of a perfect governmental system, glossing over the foundational influences of racism, sexism, chattel slavery, and class divisions. These historical inaccuracies are well documented by historians and journalists alike:

• Harvard Gazette, “Teaching White Supremacy: The Textbook Battle Over Race in American History”
• The American University of Washington, “The Problem of Bias in US History Textbooks and Curriculum”
• The University of Michigan, “Foundations of American History: Minority Representation in K-12 Social Studies Education”

Ari Berman’s Insights on Minority Rule

This week, we spotlight Ari Berman's latest book that challenges these historical myths, Minority Rule: The Right-Wing Attack on the Will of the People—and the Fight to Resist It. Berman's book, along with his interviews and articles, offers a crucial analysis of how entrenched minority rule has undermined the democratic process in the United States from its inception all the way to right now. If your time is limited but you seek a profound understanding of the current political climate, Berman’s insights are essential study for this week. His research not only traces the roots of this issue but also highlights the ongoing battles to uphold democratic ideals against increasingly bad odds.

If you are too excited to wait to pick up the book, Berman’s article for Mother Jones titled, “Minority Rule Is Threatening American Democracy Like Never Before,” covers significant details:

1. Compromises dating back to the constitution entrenched minority rule from the nations beginnings
2. Undemocratic bodies and systems were created to temper majority policies, like the Electoral College, Senate representation, and gerrymandering

Berman states in the article, “To entrench and hold on to power, a shrinking conservative white minority is ­relentlessly exploiting the undemocratic elements of America’s political institutions while doubling down on tactics such as voter suppression, election subversion, and the censoring of history.” The minority rule in our failed political system then entrenches minority rule into our court system.  For instance, the role of the US Supreme Court is slowly turning into a religious body that dictates laws due to the fact that the Senate and presidency, both anti-majority systems, appoints judges.

We told you this article was good.

Thirteen Faces of Discrimination

While Berman often speaks about 4 – 5 types of discrimination riddled within our political system:

1. Voter Suppression
2. Gerrymandering
3. Election Administration Issues
4. Systemic Racism in the Political System
5. Digital Discrimination in Politics

Perspectives Media’s research finds that there are at least 13 discriminatory, minority rule political practices you should be on the lookout for in your state. For the full list of 13, along with detailed descriptions and definitions, visit our website here.

Intersectional Roundup to Fight Minority Rule

Here are some articles centering the fight against minority rule at various intersections of our communities:

• New laws criminalizing voter assistance has Asian Americans feeling targeted, read more on pbs.org
• Six harmful tactics that tried to stop Latinos from voting, read more on Pulso
• Arizona’s Latino, Native Voters Score Voting Rights Win, on CLC
• Barriers to voting for people with disabilities, on Journalists Resource

By arming ourselves with knowledge and joining together in concerted action, we can challenge the remnants of minority rule and work towards a truly inclusive and representative democracy.