The Myth of Whiteness and the Racist Binary

We know that pushing back against racism and the White supremacy it promotes is a life-long challenge, and that overcoming it entirely could take generations. But we also know this: it is up to Whites to make it happen. And if we are ever to make a meaningful start on that effort, we must understand the myth behind it and be able to give up our defensiveness around it.

Historians and sociologists tell us that "race" itself is a myth, and that "Whiteness" is a social construct. The first European colonists who came to North America did not think of themselves as members of the white race. Or any race. Skin color was not a part of their self identity prior to their arrival here. It was not until the late 1600s, when poor black and white people freed from indentured service began to rise up together in revolts against wealthy European plantation owners, that "Whiteness" was invented. Why? To help these wealthy landowners hold onto their power.

One of the deepest truths -- and greatest evils -- about race is that it is built upon a myth of Whiteness that was designed to pit poor Whites against Blacks. From its inception, Whiteness has been about supremacy, domination, and subjugation. And privilege has always been its defining feature. Anti-racist writer and educator Tim Wise explains how and why Whiteness was created, and what it has done to drive a wedge between us in this short video.  

While Blacks have been the ones putting their bodies on the line for freedom for so long, we who live in White bodies are the ones who truly have the power to overcome racism. "Someday" will come only when Whites bring it. So along with rejecting the myth of Whiteness, we must renounce the false binary that racists are "bad" and non-racists are "good." It only takes us off course, and we need to stay focused on the goal.

Whiteness scholar and educator Dr. Robin DiAngelo describes this dualistic concept as "one of the most effective adaptations of racism since the Civil Rights era," calling it "the number one construct that keeps racism today in place and makes it nearly impossible to talk to White people about racism." This makes sense. If my well-intended remark or behavior is called out as racist, I will almost certainly feel defensive if all I can hear is the accusation that I'm a "bad person."

I need to be able to hold the truth that even well-meaning people who are trying to push back against White supremacy can say and do racist things. I can get there by understanding that, as a White person in America, I was born into racism because this is a racist culture. We are unavoidably racist. The real question is what we do about it.

There are White anti-racists, those who genuinely want to challenge our racist heritage. I can follow that path by listening with humility, taking an honest look at myself, and doing my best to become more educated and then to take action. There's no shortage of resources to help, and wise guides to lead us. Books and videos by Tim Wise, Robin DiAngelo, Ibram X. Kendi, and Resmaa Menakem can give us a good place to start. 

I'll be back soon with some more information about how racism affects us despite our best intentions, and what we can do about it. Until then, let's keep our eyes on the prize. We can all get to freedom if Whites will listen, learn, and act.

 Love,
Nancie/Mom/Mimi/Grandma











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