WHITENESS Meaning and
Definition
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Whiteness is a concept that primarily refers to the social construct of race, specifically the privilege, power, and advantages that people of European descent tend to possess or enjoy within society. It is the dominant racial group that has historically held positions of authority and influenced the social, economic, and political structures of many countries.
Whiteness encompasses a range of characteristics and behaviors that are ascribed to those who are perceived as white individuals, such as light skin color, European facial features, and cultural norms associated with European heritage. These attributes have often been used to define and differentiate racial groups, thereby establishing a hierarchy that places whiteness at the top.
The concept of whiteness has its roots in the historical process of colonization, where European powers sought to establish dominance over Indigenous populations and peoples of color through various means, including racism and discrimination. As a result, the idea of whiteness became deeply ingrained in social and cultural institutions, impacting everything from laws and policies to everyday interactions and perceptions.
Moreover, whiteness is not just about skin color, but it also denotes a system of privilege and advantages that are often invisible to those who possess them. It includes access to better educational and employment opportunities, higher social status, and the ability to navigate society without having to face many of the same challenges and disadvantages experienced by marginalized racial and ethnic groups.
Critics argue that whiteness perpetuates a system of inequality and works to maintain the status quo, often at the expense of people of color. Therefore, the examination and understanding of whiteness are crucial for dismantling systemic racism and working towards a more equitable society.
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• State of being white; purity; freedom from stain or blemish.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of WHITENESS
The word whiteness comes from the Middle English word whitenesse, which was derived from the Old English word hwitnysse. The Old English term was formed by combining the elements hwit, meaning white, and -nysse, forming an abstract noun suffix. Ultimately, the root of whiteness can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word hwitaz, meaning bright or white.
Similar spelling words for WHITENESS
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