Final answer:
White supremacy and male supremacy represent hierarchical ideologies of human nature that justify dominance of certain groups based on perceived superiority. These supremacist views have historically been used to uphold social inequalities and are reflected in both overt and covert forms of racism and sexism in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
White supremacy and male supremacy reflect a view of human nature based on hierarchical and oppressive ideologies that grant certain groups power over others due to perceived inherent superiority. In the context of White supremacy, the belief that White people should hold dominance in society often manifests in both extreme examples, such as with the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazi groups, as well as in more covert forms like the systemic inequalities embedded in society, including the school-to-prison pipeline and underfunded educational systems. Similarly, male supremacy operates under the guise of historical assertions that men naturally possess higher intellect and capabilities in civic affairs, which justified the exclusion of women and minorities from voting and governance, paralleling views that supported racial inequality.
Paternalism was another concept used to justify oppressive systems like slavery, perpetuating the idea that White slaveholders were acting in the best interests of those they enslaved, which was, in reality, a misrepresentation of the traumatic and dehumanizing nature of slavery. These ideologies have been challenged and continue to be debated, as they conflict with modern principles of equality and diversity but are deeply rooted in historical constructs of social hierarchy.
Understanding the intricate dynamics of implicit and explicit attitudes can be beneficial in recognizing the more subtle forms of these supremacist ideologies. While society may outwardly reject overt racism and sexism, underlying biases can still persist through covert racism and systemic issues that maintain discrimination and inequality.