Debate over 'White Culture' Highlights Racial Divides

Conservatives push back against left's 'anti-white' rhetoric, but defining 'white culture' proves challenging

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A debate has emerged over the concept of 'white culture' in America, with conservatives arguing that the left has unfairly demonized and dismissed it, while critics contend that attempts to define and defend 'white culture' are misguided and potentially racist. The article examines the history of 'whiteness studies' on college campuses, the backlash against perceived anti-white rhetoric, and the difficulties in pinning down a coherent definition of 'white culture' that doesn't veer into troubling territory.

Why it matters

This debate highlights the ongoing racial tensions and divisions in America, with both sides accusing the other of hypocrisy and double standards. It also touches on deeper questions about the nature of culture, identity, and belonging in a diverse society.

The details

The article traces the rise of 'whiteness studies' on college campuses over the past few decades, with some academics arguing that 'whiteness' is a source of oppression that must be dismantled. This has led to a backlash from conservatives who feel that 'white culture' is being unfairly maligned. Attempts by figures like Jeremy Carl to defend the concept of 'white culture' have been criticized as veering into problematic territory, with the author arguing that it's difficult to define 'white culture' without relying on troubling racial essentialism or a 'white replacement' narrative.

  • The 'whiteness studies' movement has been growing on college campuses over the last three decades.
  • The debate over 'white culture' has intensified in recent years, with conservatives pushing back against perceived anti-white rhetoric from the left.

The players

Noel Ignatiev

A whiteness studies scholar and historian who has argued that 'the key to solving the social problems of our age is to abolish the white race.'

Leonard Jeffries

The former chair of the Black Studies Department at City College of New York, who made controversial claims that whites are 'ice people' and blacks are 'sun people.'

Jeremy Carl

A conservative figure who has attempted to defend the concept of 'white culture' but has faced criticism for his approach.

Bo Winegard

A writer who has offered a defense of the term 'white culture,' arguing that it refers to 'traditional Western (European) civilization.'

Sheri Berman

A progressive scholar who has warned that calling people racist when they don't see themselves that way is counterproductive.

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What’s next

The debate over 'white culture' is likely to continue, with both sides accusing the other of hypocrisy and double standards. It remains to be seen whether any consensus can be reached on how to discuss issues of race, culture, and identity in a constructive manner.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the deep divides and tensions around race in America, with both sides struggling to find a way to discuss these complex issues without resorting to harmful rhetoric or essentialist thinking. Ultimately, a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of culture and identity may be needed to move the conversation forward in a productive direction.