Whiteness

What do we mean when we talk about 'whiteness'? Do we just mean 'white people'? Actually, no. Not always. But oftentimes, yes. Whiteness refers to the foundation of racial categorization and racism - a social construction of privileges and power given to people who are perceived to be white. Whiteness is constructed as social, political, economic, and cultural behaviour that is constantly shifting, and can envelope different people at different times, even people who have not always been considered white (see Model Minority Myth).

When we talk about whiteness and dismantling whiteness and white supremacy, are we saying that is it 'bad' to be white? Or that anyone should feel guilty about being white? NO! What we are talking about is understanding whiteness - its history, its norms, and its violence. We are talking about the historical and continuing violence that is associated with a society that has privileged white people at every conceivable turn, and has been violent toward groups of people who were not always seen as white or who still are not. We are encouraging of white people to take on the responsibility of building a better and more equitable for ALL people, because it will only be through our collective liberation that we can all be free. When the most marginalized people in our society have what they need, we will ALL have what we need!