The Audio Long Read
From the archive: The invention of whiteness: the long history of a dangerous idea
Sep 18, 2024
Robert P. Baird, an insightful author on racial identity, delves into the historical concept of whiteness, emphasizing its creation before the 17th century and its reshaping of modern society. He explores the implications of whiteness through various lenses, including its cultural satire and the serious critique it faces today. Baird links the legacy of whiteness to systemic racism, the evolution of public discourse post-World War II, and ongoing social movements like Black Lives Matter, ultimately arguing for transformation through conscious effort.
54:07
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Quick takeaways
- The historical emergence of whiteness transformed societal structures, shifting from religious to racial identities to justify systemic inequalities.
- The rise of backlash against discussions on race reveals ongoing struggles against institutionalized racism and the complexities of acknowledging white privilege.
Deep dives
Invention of Whiteness
The concept of whiteness is portrayed as a dangerous social construct that emerged historically rather than being a natural category. Historical research shows that this construction began in the British Caribbean, linked closely to societal structures and religion. For instance, the manipulation of legal definitions was crucial as plantation owners shifted from using religious identity to racial identity to justify enslavement. This evolution of whiteness underpinned systemic inequalities that persist today, emphasizing the need for critical analysis of its impact on society.
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