WASP (AM)

WASP (AM), short for White Anglo-Saxon Protestant (American), is a sociological term, sometimes pejorative, used to describe a dominant, privileged, and influential demographic group in the United States. It typically refers to Americans of Northern European Protestant ancestry who have historically held significant power and influence in American society, politics, and culture.

The term gained prominence in the mid-20th century. "White" refers to the racial background, "Anglo-Saxon" refers to the English heritage, and "Protestant" refers to their religious affiliation, traditionally mainstream Protestant denominations like Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Congregationalist, and Methodist. "American" distinguishes this specific application from other potential interpretations of the acronym.

Historically, WASPs are associated with the upper class and elite institutions, having shaped many aspects of American history, including its legal, political, economic, and social systems. They were often considered the cultural norm against which other ethnic and religious groups were measured.

While the demographic power of WASPs has declined in recent decades due to immigration, social mobility, and changing demographics, the term remains relevant in understanding historical power dynamics and persistent social hierarchies in the United States.

It is important to note that the term can be considered offensive when used indiscriminately or to perpetuate stereotypes. It is often associated with privilege, exclusion, and a perceived lack of empathy for the struggles of marginalized groups. The term's utility lies in its ability to describe a specific historical social configuration rather than as a tool for contemporary prejudice.