Whiteness theory

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Whiteness theory is a field within whiteness studies concerned with what white identity means in terms of social, political, racial, economic, culture, etc. Whiteness theory posits that when some Western societies make whiteness central to their respective national and cultural identities, their white populations may become blind to the privilege associated with White identity. This blindness helps preserve positive self-presentation and silence the harm caused by the whiteness, which is commonly described as maintaining white innocence. The theory examines how this blindness may lead white groups to absolve themselves of responsibility while excluding, otherizing, and harming non-white individuals and communities. Whiteness theory is an offshoot of critical race theory that sees race as a social construct. It posits that whiteness is "practiced" by employing "visible systems of whiteness" that white people use to maintain power to benefit only white people. Critical whiteness theory (CWT...

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