Critical Whiteness: Why Does It Matter

In a world plagued with inequalities, Critical Whiteness can be a helpful platform to explain the who, what, where, when, and why. Who is in power? What impacts does this have on people? Where does change need to occur? When can something be done? And why does it matter? This chapter strives to answer each of these five questions, and outline the key messages from within Section 1 of the Handbook of Critical Whiteness. An inability to provide a nuanced understanding to inequalities across the globe will continue to perpetuate the inequalities experienced by many, while propping up the select few that wield unchecked control and influence across the masses. In essence, dominance is key, promoting a particular approach as being the right way that in turn creates powerful discourses. These undercurrents permeate across human interactions, implementing “a White is right, West is best” mantra that dictates and determines how one treats others while justifying the status quo. Therefore, Critical Whiteness theory should be seen as a tool to create fair and just societies.