Whitewashing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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whitewashing
[ˈwaɪtˌwɔːʃɪŋ ]
Definitions
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
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Implications
- In film and media, whitewashing often refers to casting white actors in roles meant for characters of different ethnic backgrounds.
- This practice has sparked significant debate on representation and diversity in Hollywood, highlighting the importance of authentic storytelling.
Historical Context
- Whitewashing has been used in politics to obscure corruption or failures, with governments sometimes simplifying complex social issues.
- The concept was prevalent during colonial times when narratives about indigenous peoples were often sanitized to justify colonization.
Psychological Effects
- This act can lead to misinformation, as people may form opinions based on a biased depiction of events.
- When truths are whitewashed, it can create mistrust among communities, leading to a disconnect between different groups.
Literature and Art
- In literature, whitewashing can refer to characters or stories being altered to remove darker themes or truths, appealing to more mainstream audiences.
- Historically, art movements occasionally faced criticism for 'whitewashing' the experiences of marginalized groups.
Origin of 'whitewashing'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the practice of using white wash, a mixture of water and lime used to paint surfaces to make them look new.
- Originally, 'whitewash' referred to any white paint. It later gained a metaphorical meaning relating to covering up issues.
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.