Whitewashing: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

This word's position of #32,313 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32310 satiny
• 32311 shepherded
• 32312 cuckold
• 32313 whitewashing
• 32314 fryer
• 32315 fez
• 32316 peristyle
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