The Myth of WASPs: An Analysis for the 21st Century

Introduction

The term ldquo;WASPrdquo; is often used to describe a particular ethnic and religious subgroup in American society. However, in the 21st century, this term has become increasingly anachronistic. This article will delve into the historical origins of the term, explore the metrics of privilege in modern America, and challenge the relevance of ldquo;WASPrdquo; in contemporary society.

Historical Context

The term ldquo;WASPrdquo; was originally used to define a select group of privileged Americans who were of British descent and Protestant. This term gained prominence in the early 20th century. However, by the mid-20th century, the definition was expanded to include any white Protestant whose ancestors arrived in the US before 1900. Despite these attempts to perpetuate ldquo;WASPrdquo; mythology, the term has largely fallen out of favor due to its exclusionary nature and outdated relevance.

Privilege Metrics in Modern America

To evaluate the continued relevance of ldquo;WASPrdquo;, we can examine several metrics of privilege, including income levels, geographic distribution, and educational attainment.

Economic Powerhouses

The 2010s saw a significant shift in the composition of high-income earners. According to recent data, several ethnic and religious groups, including Hindus, Jews, Asian-Americans, white Catholics, and Orthodox Christians, have a higher percentage of six-figure earners than white mainline Protestants. Examples of top-tier billionaires in modern America include George Soros and Michael Bloomberg, both of Jewish descent, which further challenges the image of WASPs as the economic elite.

Geographical Distribution

WASП ideals were historically concentrated in certain regions, such as the Northeastern coast. A case study of Greenwich, Connecticut, reveals the changing landscape. Despite its wealth and exclusivity, the neighborhood shows a majority of Irish and Italian ancestries, with Roman Catholicism as the dominant religion. This suggests that contemporary high-income neighborhoods are often dominated by newer immigrant groups rather than traditional WASPs.

Educational Attainment

The Ivy League, once seen as a WASP stronghold, has undergone significant changes. By the 1960s, WASPs no longer constituted a majority, with Catholics and other religious groups now forming the predominant student body. Today, fewer than 5% of Ivy League students identify as white Episcopalians, further diminishing the relevance of the ldquo;WASPrdquo; label.

Political Power

Examining the composition of political power can also provide insights into the declining relevance of ldquo;WASPrdquo;. On the evening of Washingtonrsquo;s State of the Union Address, key figures such as the President, Vice President, and Speaker of the House will be highlighted. However, none of these high-ranking officials can be comfortably classified as WASPs. President Trump, Mike Pence, and Nancy Pelosi all have religious and ethnic backgrounds that do not align with traditional WASP criteria. Currently, the Supreme Court also lacks any ldquo;WASPrdquo; representatives, further eroding the credibility of this outdated term.

Conclusion

The term ldquo;WASPrdquo; is more a relic of history than a relevant descriptor of contemporary American society. It is important to recognize the complex and diverse nature of modern American cultures and the evolving nature of ethnic and religious identity. As society becomes more multicultural, the relevance of terms like ldquo;WASPrdquo; diminishes, reflecting the dynamic nature of American society.

Keywords: WASP, multiculturalism, ethnic identity, white privilege, privilege metrics