Whiteness
AFAM/WMST 2020
Valdosta State University
Introduction
To define Whiteness, to describe the
dominant culture, and to enlighten others
about how it affects society.
Presented by:
Laura Snell
Anita Reynolds
Keith Richardson
Jermell Terry
Dysha’ Weems
What is Whiteness?
Accepting the privileges of being “white”
Toni Morrison states, “whiteness is
presented as something neutral, the
blending of all colors that somehow
transcends and contains them.”
Topics of Discussion
“White Men in the United States”
http://www.sou.edu
“Honky Blues”
http://www.salon.com
http://www.cnn.com
“The Bill of Rights for Black Men: Walking While
Black”
http://www.villagevoice.com
The White Dominant Culture
White, straight men have functioned as the norm
for studies about men ,in general, in the United
States
White men were fit to be self-governing, while
darker-skinned peoples needed help to be
governed—the so-called “white man’s burden”
What can be done to eliminate these ideas?
White men can think about their concerns as white
men’s issues, as opposed to “men’s issues” in general
White men need to question whiteness itself
The “WASP” society
“White men rationalize their privileges under
segregation, they imagined themselves as
transcending their particular self-interests and
speaking for society as a whole…(Hedges)”
Why do women and men of color and other
descent have to prove that their ideas are not self
centered while white men translate their self
centered thoughts to more objective sounding
ideas.
Privileges of Whiteness
They make the laws
Example: Congress is made up of
They break the laws
Example: Florida election ballots
They use these laws to keep the upper hand in
society
Example: Bush tax cut that would only benefit the
already rich white population, but when you hear him
address the matter he covers up this with a sugar coated
version that makes it seem like everyone benefit
Real Life Example
Bryonn Bain
“The Bill of Rights for Black Men: Walking
While Black”
Takes place on a nice night in New York during the
month of April
What does this mean?
Whiteness is just as dominant as any other
culture, even though it is just being studied.
Whiteness has always been present, but it has
been accepted for many years as the NORM.
Whiteness represents power that is not
always deserved.
Next Steps
More culturally diverse groups on campus
More classes that teach diversity
Promote interest in other diversities
Have a “Culture” day that includes the white
culture, as well, as others
Make at least one ethnicity class a requirement
Do not ignore problems by settling for the
“NORM”