Whiteness & Racism Flashcards
Define whiteness
Whiteness is the concept of constructing the white race, white culture, and the privileges granted to white individuals.
It establishes white as the norm, considering them as the standard race. White people hold power and often shape the dominant narratives globally, sometimes without realising they are projecting their own perspectives onto the world. This process of normalising whiteness sets the standards of humanity, creating a system where white people are set up to succeed while others are set up to fail.
How do whiteness and racism relate?
Racism plays a significant role in perpetuating whiteness, and it can take various forms such as institutional or personal, direct or indirect, conscious or unconscious, and positive or negative. The impact of racism on its targets, particularly Aboriginal people, includes severe health and economic consequences.
How has history played a role in whiteness and racism?
Historically, assimilation efforts were based on the belief that Aboriginals needed protection, but this stemmed from the British colonisers’ view of Aboriginal people as primitive and inferior. The ideology of white supremacy has been internalised through racial stereotypes, with white individuals often considered the norm, while others are seen through a racial lends.
The dominant Australian culture has perpetuated stigma against Aboriginals, leading to unequal treatment directly or indirectly. Challenging the normalisation of whiteness is crucial to addressing power imbalances, privileges, injustices, and disparities experienced by marginalised groups.
What impact has whiteness and racism had on Aboriginal communities?
Aboriginal communities face numerous challenges such as:
- lower life expectancy
- higher rates of incarceration
- lower education levels
- increased poverty
- social exclusion
- loss of culture and identity
- psychological trauma (PTSD)
- poorer health outcomes
- higher suicide rates
- lower employment rates
