'White supremacy' built into society

I wanted to respond to an event that was written about where Rep. Anne Stava-Murray made comments about the town of Naperville being or having white supremacist policies and Naperville Councilman Kevin Coyne' s call for her to resign.

I have to support Rep. Stava-Murray. I support her because she is correct. Naperville is a town with white supremacist policies. Naperville is not alone. Every town has white supremacist policies whether they acknowledge them or not. These policies are woven into our upbringing. These policies have been shaped by years, centuries really, of socialization into our families, culture and peer groups.

These policies are a part of our thinking, a part of our learning, media, employment/workplace, criminal justice system, our economy, our neighborhoods and our government.

I learned that from a teacher. I also read about it in a book by Crystal M. Fleming.

I can understand not liking the term "white supremacy," but that's what it is. White supremacy is not just the extreme ideas "some" of us have about race relations and people of color. White supremacy doesn't always act out in the open. It can operate without being obvious. It prefers not to be obvious. It can last longer that way.

I know the town of Naperville does all it can to prevent these policies or acts.

I wouldn't ask Rep. Stava-Murray to resign. I would accept what she says and try to understand how we as individuals and towns could hopefully move away from policies and actions that hold us back as humans.

Not-so-good news can be enlightening.

Bill Sherwin

Wheaton