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The concept of whiteness in America was invented to keep out groups that the in group did not like at the time; this goes back to the late 1700s. For example, I
by Blackthorn 9y ago
The concept of whiteness in America was invented to keep out groups that the in group did not like at the time; this goes back to the late 1700s. For example, Irish people for a long time were not considered white (now, of course, they are). Most European immigrants were originally not considered white and looked down upon.
- wallace_f 9y agoWhat does the box on college, job, and other forms mean when it says race: "Black," "White," "Hispanic," etc?? So Whites select a social construct, while all others select a race? This is remarkably convoluted and confusing. Maybe I am just not smart enough to understand this.
- Blackthorn 9y agoAmerican history can be quite convoluted and confusing. This book might help: https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Became-White-Routledge-Classics/dp/0415963095 https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Became-White-Routledge-Classics...
- wallace_f 9y agoI do see a valid point to be made about historical racism and how the definitions of who is accepted into the acceptable category (what you call White) has changed over the years. What I don't understand is how White people are also not a race, but a social construct, which literally makes no sense.
- Blackthorn 9y agoThe history of America, and of whiteness in America, is race. When whiteness has as an entire category changed to exclude undesirables and then include them when they were no longer as undesirable, it's hard to see whiteness as anything but the racist social construct that it has always been historically. I personally estimate that in 100 years Hispanics are going to be considered white as they lose their undesirable status, just like happened to the Irish.