Whiteness: A Call to Understand, Challenge, and Transform
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Chapter 1: Understanding Whiteness
Whiteness is not characterized by poverty, ignorance, anger, or stress; rather, these are traits of people. Whiteness represents a concept steeped in a grand, unyielding supremacy.
Whiteness lacks affection
One undeniable truth about whiteness is that it does not extend love—neither to us nor to itself. It functions as a crutch and a detrimental force, originally conceived as a defensive measure for those seeking power through profit. While we did not create this concept, society treats it as a cherished possession.
It is crucial to differentiate between whiteness and white individuals; the former is an imposition that shapes people and gives rise to various racial classifications. This concept obscures our need for insight, humility, self-awareness, and growth. Whiteness cannot love, and it certainly doesn't foster our development.
Why do we strive to maintain its comfort?
The term "we" applies to all of us, as whiteness inflicts harm beyond its immediate realm. It functions as an imposter, and I've spent considerable time reflecting on the rift it creates between individuals and the troubling legacy it bequeaths—whiteness itself.
Whiteness's Four Pillars of Power
- Didacticism: Whiteness positions itself as the ultimate teacher, imposing its lessons on everyone while remaining oblivious to its own shortcomings. This so-called teacher is blind to its own ignorance, thus failing to provide true understanding.
- Deservingness: Whiteness operates on the belief that it is entitled to loyalty, compliance, and admiration. Even in the smallest of beings, it instills a sense of self-importance and entitlement, cultivating an illusion of exclusivity and honor.
- Desirability: Whiteness portrays itself as the ideal to aspire to, all while perpetuating bondage and identity erasure. It seeks control over every aspect of life, convincing individuals to conform to its standards and willingly submit to its dominance.
- Deceit: Whiteness is deceptive and competitive, thriving on jealousy and animosity. It often resorts to underhanded tactics to assert its superiority, viewing everyone—including itself—as a rival.
Many individuals, regardless of their background, have suffered losses due to the influence of whiteness. I recall speaking with a seemingly kind woman who, out of nowhere, began echoing divisive slogans. Her transformation was a stark reminder of whiteness's pervasive grasp.
Breaking Free from Whiteness
To dismantle the harm inflicted by whiteness, we must establish new standards—antidotes to counter its four pillars.
- Become the Student: Many are eager to learn and seek understanding. In an age where information is tightly controlled, it is vital to seek diverse perspectives and challenge narratives that incite fear.
- Cultivate Gratitude: Viewing our current circumstances as opportunities for growth can counteract the fear instilled by whiteness. Rather than succumb to anxiety, we can embrace dialogue and listen to one another's experiences.
- Foster Art Appreciation: Engaging with art can bridge divides by fostering empathy and self-awareness. Art allows us to see shared emotions and experiences, breaking down barriers created by whiteness.
- Practice Honesty: Whiteness cannot endure in an environment of transparency. By acknowledging our collective history and its impacts, we can foster deeper understanding and connection.
We possess the capacity for much more than what whiteness dictates. Every race has individuals who selflessly support others, revealing our shared humanity. However, we often mask our flaws and project them onto others.
The Path Forward
To overcome the influence of whiteness, we must confront our internalized beliefs and confront the narratives that sustain its grip. It is time to reject the illusion it promotes and recognize the collective power that lies within us.
Let us starve whiteness of its influence and cease to engage with its deceptive language. The true heroes are those who unite to dismantle its reign.
Thank you for considering this call to action against the allure of whiteness. I've traversed this journey myself and am now committed to recovery.
With love,
-Bloom