White supremacists weaponize distorted European history to justify global Islamophobic violence
Original framing: “San Diego mosque attack: racist interpretations of European history are inspiring extremists” — The Conversation - Global
The use of European history to justify white supremacy is not new. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, similar historical distortions were used to justify colonial expansion and genocide. These patterns persist in modern far-right movements.
The San Diego mosque attack is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a broader systemic issue: the weaponization of history by far-right groups to legitimize violence against marginalized communities.
This phenomenon is rooted in colonial-era myths of European superiority, which continue to be amplified by digital platforms and far-right media. Indigenous and non-Western histories offer counter-narratives that challenge these distortions, while inclusive education and digital accountability can help prevent the spread of such ideologies. By centering the voices of affected communities and promoting intercultural dialogue, society can begin to dismantle the structures that allow these narratives to thrive.