The Human Condition: Replacement theory

By Daniel Schnee on November 23, 2022.

Within conservative media there is growing discussion of what is known as “replacement theory,” the idea that Caucasians in both North America and Europe are being replaced in some manner by non-white (ergo non-Christian) immigrants. Implied within discussion of this idea is usurpation has occurred, something that is “ours” has been taken.

This would seem to be an example of dog-whistle politicking; coded messages being sent to those with white anxiety. So, since it is my job as an anthropologist to explore whether such things are actually true, I wanted to look into the issue.

White replacement theory, as presented, implies that immigrants (meaning non-whites) automatically bring non-Western values. Thus, “white” values (meaning good values) are under threat when there are not enough white people themselves around to uphold them. And what are these white values? Those exemplified by one particularly famous Albertan currently in the news.

This Edmontonian is one of the best professional athletes in the world, thanks to his discipline and dedication to hard work (both being excellent values). In 2017 he became the youngest player to both play for Canada’s national team, and score goals for it. He is also the first player born in the 21st century to score at a top-level international tournament. His list of achievements and accolades grows with each passing year, and the values he holds (teamwork, respecting the rules, good sportsmanship, etc.) set a great example for all.

Now, should we “replace” this young man and his values with an immigrant? We don’t have to … for the man I am referring to is none other than soccer star Alphonso Davies, who immigrated to Canada after being born in a Liberian refugee camp in Ghana (a nation in West Africa). Obsessed with soccer, he was able to play the game thanks to Free Footie, Edmonton’s after-school league for poor inner city children. Now, Davies is a star player for one of the top teams in Europe, and is the first Canadian (and soccer player) to become ambassador for the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees.

The values Davies has demonstrated are those to which we should aspire. Thus, the only “problem” he can possibly pose (in terms of replacement theory) is that he is not white, i.e. has inferior character. Once again it is the old idea that “skin is sin.” But there is no correlation between how white a Canadian is and how much character non-white Canadians have. To think otherwise is both a non-sequitur, and deeply racist.

Personally I think it would be great if, for example, the entire country was run by Filipinas, who are often conservative, always hard working, family-oriented and kind (i.e. people with great values). But, like everyone else, many would eventually fall prey to greed and the desire for more power, proving once again our skin, gender, country of origin and demographic significance will never be the problem. In the end it is always human weakness that is the enemy of all value systems.

Thus, what Caucasians need to replace is replacement theory itself. For we need to look no further than Germany between the years 1933 and 1945 to know what eventually happens if we don’t…

Dr. Daniel Schnee is an anthropologist and jazz/rock drummer

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