Concept Constructs Creations: Unpacking the Pillars of Whiteness

Navigating the Layers of Whiteness and Understanding the Roles We Didn't Choose

The concept of "whiteness" is far more complex and intricate than the mere color of one's skin. It's a sociopolitical construct that has evolved over time, influenced by history, culture, and power dynamics. As we journey through this series, "Who Were You Before You Were White?", we delve deeper into the intricate web of identities that whiteness as a system has spun around us. Today, we dissect the five pillars that uphold the prototype of "whiteness" and discuss how our proximity to or distance from these pillars determines our place within the hierarchy.

The 5 Pillars of whiteness as a system

1. Cisgendered:
Role Description: Within the parameters of whiteness, being cisgender – identifying with the gender assigned at birth – is deemed the "norm." This norm enforces a strict gender binary, leaving little room for those who identify as transgender, non-binary, or genderqueer. The farther one strays from the cisgender pillar, the lower they fall within the hierarchy of whiteness.

2. Heterosexual:
Role Description: Whiteness has historically favored heterosexuality, marginalizing those who don't fit within this category. Heterosexuality is often seen as the "default," and other sexual orientations are considered deviations, pushing LGBTQ+ individuals to the fringes of the whiteness construct.

3. Christian:
Role Description: Christianity, particularly Protestant denominations, has been historically intertwined with Western power structures. Other religions or spiritual beliefs are often deemed "other" or "exotic," marking their followers as outsiders within the realm of whiteness.

4. Able-bodied:
Role Description: The whiteness construct places the able-bodied individual on a pedestal, viewing disability as an aberration rather than a natural part of human variation. This not only marginalizes those with disabilities but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about their capabilities and worth.

5. The Aryan Ideal:
Role Description: Historically, the "Aryan" look of blonde hair and blue eyes has been upheld as the epitome of white beauty and purity, influenced by problematic and debunked scientific theories from the 19th and 20th centuries. Those who don't align with this ideal, even if they identify as white, often find themselves deemed "less than" in the eyes of the system.

The problem with these pillars is their inherent exclusivity. They create a narrow framework of what it means to be "white" and by extension, "right." Moreover, this framework is largely non-consensual. From birth, roles are ascribed to individuals based on how they fit within these pillars. Deviate from the script, and you risk marginalization.

But here's the vital question we must all ask ourselves: Who gets to decide these roles? And more importantly, how can we dismantle them to embrace a more inclusive and understanding society?

The Profound Ripple Effects of Concepts, Constructs, and Creations

Following our exploration into the foundations of the pillars of whiteness, it becomes crucial to understand how these concepts, constructs, and creations shape the intricate mosaic of our day-to-day lives. Beyond mere academic curiosity, there's a very personal, human impact that is felt individually and collectively due to these pillars.

Everyday Interactions:
From the casual conversations we strike up with acquaintances to the deeper bonds we form with friends, the pillars cast long shadows. The "normal" topics of discussion, societal expectations in relationships, and even our inherent biases are often rooted in these constructs. A simple example can be found in the overwhelming representation of heterosexual relationships in mainstream media, which subtly but powerfully reinforces one of the pillars of whiteness.

Workplace Dynamics:
Professionally, these pillars play a pivotal role. In many traditional workplaces, there's an unspoken code of conforming to certain standards – standards that often mirror the pillars of whiteness. Whether it's through recruitment biases, promotional prejudices, or even the subtle expectations of corporate attire and conduct, the influence is unmistakable.

Educational Curricula:
From a young age, children are molded by educational systems that, consciously or unconsciously, uphold the pillars of whiteness. History lessons may lean heavily on European or Christian perspectives, sidelining other narratives. Likewise, literature, art, and even science may often be taught from a lens that prioritizes these constructs.

Mental Health Impacts:
Perhaps the most profound yet least discussed impact is on our mental well-being. When individuals don't fit neatly within the pillars, they often grapple with feelings of inadequacy, alienation, and identity crises. This internal turmoil, perpetuated by societal norms, can lead to deep-seated anxieties and self-esteem issues.

Shaping Cultural Narratives:
Culture, in many ways, is a reflection of dominant societal values and norms. Our festivals, literature, art, and even culinary choices can be influenced by the pillars of whiteness. While this isn't inherently negative, the overshadowing of diverse perspectives and traditions can lead to a homogenized cultural landscape.

A Call for Awareness and Change:
To understand the impact of these pillars is to recognize the urgent need for introspection and change. Every individual has a role to play in challenging these constructs and advocating for a more inclusive, holistic understanding of identity and value.

As we navigate our paths, it's essential to question, learn, and unlearn. By acknowledging the profound effects of these concepts, constructs, and creations, we can hope to break free from their confines and create a world where identity is celebrated in its myriad forms, beyond the narrow confines of historical constructs.

Here are introspective questions tailored for journaling:

1. Concept of Whiteness:

   • How has your understanding or awareness of "whiteness" as a construct affected your sense of identity throughout your life?

   • Can you recall a moment when you became consciously aware of the system of whiteness?

2. Navigating the Pillars:

   • Which of the five pillars of whiteness do you resonate with or feel pressured by? Why?

   • How do you perceive these pillars influencing your daily interactions and decisions?

3. Challenging the Norms:

   • Have you ever felt marginalized or "less than" for not aligning perfectly with any of the five pillars? Describe that experience.

   • How might these pillars have inadvertently granted you privileges or advantages in certain situations?

4. Deconstruction & Reconstruction:

   • In what ways have you challenged or deconstructed these pillars in your personal life?

   • How can you envision a society that doesn't rely on these pillars? What changes would need to occur?

5. Roles & Identity:

   • How do you feel about the roles that society may have ascribed to you based on these pillars?

   • Have you ever felt the need to perform or change aspects of yourself to fit into these roles? Describe a time.

6. Beyond the Construct:

   • How would you define your identity outside of the construct of whiteness?

   • What steps can you take to further disconnect your self-worth from societal expectations tied to these pillars?

7. Looking Forward:

   • What conversations or actions can you initiate in your community to challenge and dismantle these limiting pillars?

   • How will you educate yourself and others about the origins and impacts of these pillars?

In this series, we're breaking down these constructs, understanding their origins, and seeking to rediscover our identities beyond the limitations of whiteness. I invite you to join us on this journey of introspection, unlearning, and redefinition.

Remember, journaling is a deeply personal process. These questions are designed to stimulate thought but always follow where your introspection leads.