Last week, I brought up the term “white-washed” to my dad. “Like Michael Jackson?” he asked. I remember thinking to myself, that is the literal definition of whitewashing. A man born African-American, who ended up with his skin painted white towards the end of his career. There was a more complex reason behind it, though: Michael Jackson struggled with the skin disease vitiligo. Some might interpret the act of literally painting, or bleaching your skin white, as “white-washing”.
Or, we could get more literal: “white-washing,” a term originating in the 16th century, describing coating surfaces in a compound of chalk and lime, according to Wikipedia. However, nowadays the word “white-washed” is commonly used as a negative term, used to tease or insult people. So the question remains: what is so wrong with being white-washed? Clearly, that’s not the correct term to describe the social construct of minorities in America, adapting to the cultural values of the country they are raised in. Do we expect someone raised 16 years in America to wear a qipao and speak Chinese all day? That is what it feels like. In reality, when many use the term white-washed, what they really mean is: Americanized.
The term “white-washed” gained popularity in the 90s as more people of color began to criticize Hollywood for casting white actors for ethnic characters. This is a totally valid issue, as the erasure of ethnic features and recognition for ethnic actors, in favor of already well-represented white actors in Hollywood, is simply wrong. But in current times, is the term “white-washed” used appropriately to describe that issue? The answer is no; the dilution of this term is apparent. These days, the term “white-washed” is used for the most trivial things. For instance, say an American-born teenager cannot speak their mother tongue fluently; by today’s standards, this is the perfect opportunity for others to tease and call the individual white-washed. However, if one were to live in America and attend school there, they would naturally speak English for the majority of the day. Therefore, many American youth face this paradoxical situation: if they cannot speak English fluently or have an accent, they could be mocked and belittled. But if they cannot speak their mother tongue, they are mocked for not being connected to that aspect of their culture.
It is not just language either. Fashion and appearance can also be labeled as whitewashed. For example, getting highlights in your hair, wearing brands like Lululemon or talking with a Californian accent are all perceived signs of being whitewashed and people forget that these are the norms and beauty standards of America. These symbols are All-American signs of health: the popular activewear brands, highlights imitating sun-bleached hair, and more, are desirable. So, in order to feel “trendy” or attractive, American youth will conform to these standards. At this point, it is purely about American culture and adapting to one’s environment. Youth that want to be perceived as cool in America will inevitably chase American standards. That should not be criticized. Conforming temporarily can actually be very beneficial for finding one’s personal style and values as they mature. It also allows a way for youth to find community. Ultimately, it has nothing to do with white people or whitewashing, just a desire to fit in. Let us call it what it is: Americanization.
