To be sure, the increasing use of the “browning” of America slogan by commentators and its juxtaposition to “Taking Back America” is not an aberration.

It is, indeed, intended to be insidiously polarizing.

Such slogans are somewhat reminiscent of the rantings of mid-19th century believers in “manifest destiny.”

The intent is to hack the mindset of ignorant folks to increase divisiveness and sow doubts.

I have yet to read about the “whitening” of Australia, Hawaii, Central and South America or North America — all, places where indigenous peoples of color either greeted or repelled white-skin invaders.

The hypocrisy has always been clear for those caring to “see.” For those “Americanized” Europeans in the United States who may be confused, Europeans were a racial minority in a global context during the colonial heyday. And in this 21st century, they continue to comprise only roughly 16 percent of the world’s population.

Today in America, the challenges are great. The “chickens” Malcolm X once referred to as “coming home to roost,” are no longer content to just roost.

On the other side of the coin, much of white America is, arguably, not realistically coming to grips with certain inevitable realities of human existence.

We need to keep in mind that Americans have never been immune to fascism. Whereas almost a century ago, fascist activism centered around the so-called Jewish-Communist conspiracy, today we have a president who has no compunctions about giving the nod to neo-fascist actions and sentiments.

The “activism” this time around is directed at what President Trump no doubt views as the “brown and black hordes” both within and outside our borders.

CHARLES RITZBERG

Richmond