The Origins of Whiteness

<p>Defining whiteness is like defining air; it is all around. You are so accustomed to its existence that you mostly pay no attention to it except on a particularly windy day. It is typically benign, but during a tornado or hurricane, it can cause considerable damage or death. Whiteness is usually unnoticed; in America, it is the status quo. Whiteness is taken for granted; it is the baseline. Whiteness just is.</p> <p>If there is one thing you should know about whiteness, it is this: Whiteness is not inherited; it is learned. There are no inherent characteristics, and whiteness cannot exist in a vacuum. Whiteness is a trait solely dependent on interaction with other people, whether people of color or other white people. Whiteness can be an attitude or a set of beliefs; sometimes, it presents itself through group consciousness or individual conclusions. Though often influenced by the environment one grows up in, whiteness is not inherited; it is learned.</p> <p><a href="https://medium.com/recycled/the-origins-of-whiteness-4e3994e4a12b"><strong>Website</strong></a></p>