Words of Wisdom: The Impacts of Whiteness in Today's Society
"Whiteness is a dangerous concept. It is not about skin color. It is not even about race. It is about the willful blindness used to justify White supremacy. It is about using moral rhetoric to defend exploitation, racism, mass murder, reigns of terror and the crimes of empire." - James Baldwin #criticalthinking
James Baldwin’s observation that “Whiteness is a dangerous concept is not about skin color or even race. It is about the willful blindness used to justify White supremacy. "White supremacy" uses moral rhetoric to defend exploitation, racism, mass murder, reigns of terror and the crimes of empire” is as hauntingly relevant today as it was when he first voiced his critique.
In this statement, Baldwin captures a powerful truth about the dynamics of power: “Whiteness” is not merely an identity marker or a racial designation. It’s a construct that wields power through a set of beliefs, myths, and justifications that elevate certain people over others, promoting inequality and division under the guise of moral or national authority.
To explore Baldwin's words in today’s context, it’s essential to understand how this idea of "Whiteness" manifests itself as a metaphor for a specific form of power. This “White” power structure is one that pervades politics, economics, and social interactions, influencing people’s choices and policies in ways that often defy their self interests.
For example, we see this clearly in recent shifts toward authoritarianism and in phenomena like the support for leaders who espouse oppressive policies. The widespread support for Donald Trump, for instance, exemplifies this. Many of those who supported Trump were, ironically, voting against their own well-being and fundamental rights. This speaks volumes to the power of “Whiteness” as a means of allegiance to a social hierarchy that rewards its adherents with a sense of belonging to an established order—regardless of how that order might impact their lives.
One of the most glaring examples of this phenomenon is the support Trump received from White women. While Trump was a wild card in 2016 (the electorate didn't know what to expect from him) he received greater support from White women (47% - 45%) than did Clinton. In 2024, 53% of White women voted for Trump, a candidate who openly promised to roll back their reproductive rights, one of the most significant achievements for women’s equality in modern history.
The paradox here is that this demographic was willing to support policies detrimental to their own autonomy. Though this is under-discussed, many within communities of color suspect that this is because White women are aligning with the ideals of “Whiteness” which promises them a certain type of social security.
In the promise of returning America to a “greater” past, there is an implication of a nostalgic power structure in which the established social order remains intact—an order where being White remains synonymous with an exclusive authority, a subtle but pervasive promise of control over who belongs and who does not.
Baldwin’s critique points to something that extends beyond individual choices or one political figure; it’s about the broader consequences of a society that prioritizes “Whiteness” as a standard. This preference manifests in harmful ways that affect everyone, regardless of racial identity.
It’s present in the economic inequalities that hurt working-class White communities as much as they do communities of color. It’s evident in the healthcare system, where the highest quality care is often reserved for those who can afford it, resulting in inequities that disproportionately impact communities of color but also affect rural and poorer White communities. The “Whiteness” construct upholds a system that convinces many that their struggles are less the fault of policy or structural inequalities than of “others” who don’t fit the mold—immigrants, people of color, or marginalized groups.
The danger Baldwin highlights goes even deeper. This metaphor of “Whiteness” as a vehicle for power fosters a willful blindness, a refusal to acknowledge injustices if they don’t directly affect one’s own community. This blindness justifies harsh immigration policies, mass incarceration, and a militarized police force under the banner of “keeping America safe,” which, in reality, often serves to uphold the status quo. By ignoring the impact of these policies on marginalized groups, those who buy into this concept of “Whiteness” unwittingly condone violence and repression, ensuring that the system remains one where the powerful few benefit at the expense of the many.
Moreover, “Whiteness” as Baldwin describes it perpetuates a cycle of dehumanization, using moral rhetoric to excuse otherwise inexcusable actions. It’s this moral positioning—the use of religious and ethical justifications—that has long been employed to disguise exploitation as something justifiable. Throughout history, this rhetoric has justified colonial violence, economic exploitation, and the suppression of entire populations. Today, this mindset can be seen in policies that continue to prioritize profit over people, health over profit, and maintaining social divisions as a way to prevent unified demands for justice.
In the end, Baldwin’s warning reminds us that “Whiteness” isn’t simply about individuals or skin color; it’s a metaphor for a dangerous system of thought that prioritizes power over justice. The issues we face today—from authoritarian inclinations to systemic inequalities—underscore the relevance of his words. “Whiteness” as a concept encourages divisions that are ultimately detrimental to all of us, creating a society where inequality and injustice are justified under the guise of protection and moral superiority.
If we heed Baldwin’s warning, we might begin dismantling the myths that sustain this system, recognizing that true strength and moral clarity lie not in adherence to power but in the collective pursuit of equity and humanity.
Dr. CL Nash, The Misogynoir to Mishpat (M2M) Research Network © 2025