Neo-Confederate vs. White Nationalist

Attribute	Neo-Confederate	White Nationalist
Beliefs	Supports the ideals of the Confederate States of America	Believes in the superiority of the white race
Goals	To preserve and promote Southern heritage and culture	To establish a white ethnostate
Views on race	Believes in the preservation of white Southern identity	Believes in the exclusion of non-white individuals
Historical context	Rooted in the history of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era	Rooted in the history of white supremacy and nationalism

History and Ideology

Neo-Confederates are individuals who advocate for the preservation of Confederate symbols, monuments, and beliefs. They often romanticize the antebellum South and view the Confederacy as a symbol of states' rights and resistance to federal government overreach. On the other hand, White Nationalists believe in the superiority of the white race and advocate for the creation of a white ethnostate. They often promote racist ideologies and seek to preserve white dominance in society.

Racial Views

Neo-Confederates typically focus on preserving Confederate heritage and do not always explicitly promote white supremacy. They may argue that their beliefs are rooted in history and tradition rather than racial superiority. In contrast, White Nationalists openly espouse racist views and believe in the inherent superiority of the white race. They often advocate for policies that discriminate against non-white individuals and seek to maintain racial segregation.

Political Affiliations

Neo-Confederates may align themselves with conservative or libertarian political ideologies. They often view themselves as defenders of states' rights and limited government intervention. While some Neo-Confederates may distance themselves from overt racism, others may hold more extreme views. White Nationalists, on the other hand, are typically associated with far-right or white supremacist groups. They may reject mainstream political parties and advocate for radical policies to advance their white supremacist agenda.

Symbolism and Iconography

Neo-Confederates often display Confederate flags, monuments, and symbols as a way to honor their perceived heritage. They may argue that these symbols represent Southern pride and resistance to tyranny. White Nationalists may also use symbols such as the swastika or other white supremacist imagery to promote their racist beliefs. These symbols are often associated with hate groups and are used to intimidate and spread fear among marginalized communities.

Activism and Advocacy

Neo-Confederates may engage in activism to preserve Confederate monuments, advocate for states' rights, or promote historical revisionism. They may organize rallies, protests, or educational events to advance their agenda. White Nationalists, on the other hand, may engage in more extreme forms of activism, such as hate crimes, violence, or domestic terrorism. They may target minority communities or individuals who they perceive as threats to their white supremacist ideology.

Public Perception and Backlash

Neo-Confederates may face criticism and backlash for their beliefs and actions, particularly in the wake of racially charged incidents or protests. They may be labeled as racists or extremists by mainstream society and face social ostracism. White Nationalists, on the other hand, are often viewed as a more extreme and dangerous threat. They may be monitored by law enforcement agencies and face legal repercussions for their involvement in hate crimes or terrorist activities.

Intersectionality and Overlap

While Neo-Confederates and White Nationalists may have distinct ideologies and goals, there can be overlap between the two groups. Some individuals may identify with both movements and share similar beliefs about race, heritage, and nationalism. This intersectionality can create a dangerous synergy that fuels extremism and violence. It is important to recognize the connections between these movements and address the root causes of racism and white supremacy in society.