Superiorist

A 'superiorist' is an individual who believes in or advocates for the inherent superiority of a particular group, often based on factors like race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, or social class. This belief system inherently justifies discrimination, prejudice, and the subjugation of other groups deemed 'inferior.' Superiorism manifests in various forms, from subtle biases to overt acts of violence. The core tenet is the conviction that one's group possesses superior qualities, leading to a hierarchy of value and power.

Superiorist meaning with examples

• The historical narratives of many nations are rife with superiorist ideologies, used to justify colonization and the exploitation of indigenous populations. The 'white man's burden' was a direct product of this, portraying the colonizers as morally and intellectually advanced compared to those they subjugated. This warped worldview fostered centuries of injustice.
• The rise of fascism in the 20th century was fueled by a virulent strain of superiorism. Nazi Germany, for instance, based its political and social structures on the belief in an 'Aryan' master race. This ideology, rooted in eugenics and racial purity, resulted in the systematic extermination of millions of people who were deemed inferior.
• In discussions about cultural appropriation, a superiorist viewpoint often arises when one group claims ownership over another group's traditions and expressions. This can involve taking sacred rituals or artistic styles without permission or understanding, highlighting a perceived cultural supremacy and denying agency.
• Even in subtle ways, superiorist attitudes can appear, with privileged groups believing their experience is the standard for all people, for instance those with different religious beliefs. Such outlooks undermine efforts towards genuine diversity and inclusion, and such views can also be internalized by the less privileged.