Whitewashing: meaning, definitions and examples
๐จ
whitewashing
[ หwaษชtหwษหสษชล ]
cultural practice
Whitewashing refers to the practice of glossing over or covering up undesirable facts about a person or group, often to create a more favorable image. It is commonly used in discussions about diversity in media and representation, where certain groups are deliberately excluded or downplayed.
Synonyms
cover-up, disguise, glossing over
Examples of usage
- The film was criticized for its whitewashing of historical figures.
- Activists called out the whitewashing of minority voices in the documentary.
- The company faced backlash for whitewashing its recruitment practices.
cosmetic term
In a cosmetic context, whitewashing can refer to the application of a lighter shade of makeup or paint to achieve a desired aesthetic effect. This term can also imply an unrealistic portrayal of skin tone.
Synonyms
bleaching, lightening, whitening
Examples of usage
- The artist used whitewashing to create an ethereal look.
- The fashion industry's penchant for whitewashing skin tones has been heavily criticized.
- Makeup tutorials often discuss the dangers of whitewashing in beauty standards.
Translations
Translations of the word "whitewashing" in other languages:
๐ต๐น branqueamento
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคซเฅเคฆ เคงเฅเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Weiรwaschen
๐ฎ๐ฉ pencucian putih
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑัะปัะฝะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ biaลe mycie
๐ฏ๐ต ใใฏใคใใฆใฉใใทใณใฐ
๐ซ๐ท blanchiment
๐ช๐ธ blanqueo
๐น๐ท beyazlatma
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฐฑ์ ์ธํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุจููุถ
๐จ๐ฟ bฤlenรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ bielenie
๐จ๐ณ ๆผ็ฝ
๐ธ๐ฎ beljenje
๐ฎ๐ธ hvรญtun
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐาัะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ แๆดแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ aฤartma
๐ฒ๐ฝ blanqueo
Word origin
The term 'whitewashing' originated in the mid-19th century, primarily in the context of painting and home renovations. It comes from the practice of using whitewash, a simple mixture of slaked lime and water, to cover walls. Over time, the word's usage expanded beyond its literal meaning to describe any act of concealment or beautification that removes unpleasant facts or truths. The term gained prominence in social and political discourses, especially during the 20th century, as issues of race, diversity, and representation in media and literature started to gain attention. The figurative use of 'whitewashing' reflects ongoing cultural conversations around authenticity and the distortions of historical narratives.