White Fragility
To say that whiteness is a standpoint is to say
it’s a significant aspect of such identity and is
to see one’s self as an individual outside, or
innocent of, race—”just human.” It views
white humans and their interests as central to,
and representative of, humanity.
Whites also produce and reinforce the dominant
narratives of society—such as individualism and
meritocracy—using these narratives to explain
the positions of other racial groups; and further,
to allow self-congratulations on white success
within the institutions of society, and blame others
for their lack of it.
To say that whiteness is a set of cultural practices
that are not recognized by other people is to admit
understanding that racism is a network of norms and
actions that create consistent advantage for whites
and disadvantage for others of color.
The dimensions of racism and white benefit are
usually invisible to whites. They are unaware of,
or do not acknowledge, the meaning of race
and its impact on their own lives, so do not
recognize or admit to white privilege and norms
that produce and maintain it.
It follows that to name whiteness and to suggest
that it has meaning, and grants unearned advantage,
would be deeply disconcerting and destabilizing,
triggering the protective responses of white fragility.
by Robin Diangelo
from White Fragility
Beacon Press, Boston Ma. 2018
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