this week, we will be discussing whiteness as an American standard. Please read the posted article and comment on what you think it means to be white. Please think carefully about this question and answer it with about 250 words.
To be white in the most literal sense of the term is to be a member of the Caucasian race. The social implications of being white, however, are much different than that simple definition. As we have discussed in class, there is a notion of white supremacy in our country. Since our country was founded, the white male has dominated the culture, establishing his dominance over all other races. To be white, today, denotes power and freedom. In films such as American History X, the idea of white supremacy is directly challenged. With a notion of superiority comes danger in any situation. As seen in American History X, superiority complexes pose a threat to the “inferior” race. The belief that one has rights over another person could cause the other party physical harm. In my opinion, this idea of white supremacy is the result of ignorance and a lack of education, and this is seen in Derek’s younger brother throughout the film.
Caitlin Webster When I think of what it means to be white, I just think of someone with light skin, I don’t think there is any deeper meaning to it. I refer to myself as white, simply because that is the color of my skin, if I were to be discussing race with someone who referred to themselves as African, I would probably say I was Irish because that refers more to my heritage. However being white has somehow become a very heavy term, now when people think of “white people” they are reminded about white supremacy, and racism. I think is because there is a lot of tension in America about white supremacists, and people that proudly associate themselves with that culture, however most people that refer to them selves as white don’t share the same views as white supremacists.
To be white in the most literal sense of the term is to be a member of the Caucasian race. The social implications of being white, however, are much different than that simple definition. As we have discussed in class, there is a notion of white supremacy in our country. Since our country was founded, the white male has dominated the culture, establishing his dominance over all other races. To be white, today, denotes power and freedom.
ReplyDeleteIn films such as American History X, the idea of white supremacy is directly challenged. With a notion of superiority comes danger in any situation. As seen in American History X, superiority complexes pose a threat to the “inferior” race. The belief that one has rights over another person could cause the other party physical harm. In my opinion, this idea of white supremacy is the result of ignorance and a lack of education, and this is seen in Derek’s younger brother throughout the film.
Caitlin Webster
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of what it means to be white, I just think of someone with light skin, I don’t think there is any deeper meaning to it. I refer to myself as white, simply because that is the color of my skin, if I were to be discussing race with someone who referred to themselves as African, I would probably say I was Irish because that refers more to my heritage. However being white has somehow become a very heavy term, now when people think of “white people” they are reminded about white supremacy, and racism. I think is because there is a lot of tension in America about white supremacists, and people that proudly associate themselves with that culture, however most people that refer to them selves as white don’t share the same views as white supremacists.