The expanding popularity of such racist groups in the US is matched by a similar phenomenon in Europe, where xenophobia and a weak economy have propelled extreme right-wing politicians into the limelight on promises to deport foreigners. .

             Most conservative US politicians have taken pains to distance themselves officially from the Far Right. Yet during the 1992 presidential campaign, mainstream conservative politicians used code words and innuendo ("welfare queens," "quotas," etc.) to convey a thinly veiled racist message. David Duke's candidacy for the governorship of Louisiana in 1991 and for the presidency in 1992, as well as the Republican Convention speeches of Pat Buchanan and Pat Robertson, reflected the increasing influence of the Far Right in American politics. More recently there has been Proposition 187 in California, targeting illegal immigrants. .

             Ten Reasons Why Racism is Still With us in the 1990's.

             The following was written by Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley and is used with her consent, we thank her for allowing us to reprint it. Rev. Bowens-Wheatley is Associate Minister at The Community Church of New York and also works for the UUA Department for Diversity and Justice.

             For several years now, we have been dreaming (through the strategic planning process), about who we wish to become. As important as it may be, our goal of Growth Through Diversity will not be achieved by simply wishing or dreaming it, or by passive action. It's been nearly 100 years since DuBois said that the problem of the 20th century would be the "color line." Derrick Bell argues that racism is a permanent condition of this country. a part of our cultural landscape - unless and until people of European heritage organize to eliminate it. I cannot envision growing through diversity without addressing racism. Here's why: .

             1. Many of us have not moved from the 1960's assumption that integration is the goal; that people of color are willing to assimilate and accept American perspectives, while the reverse is not true.