Whitewashing is a harmful practice that has permeated media and entertainment for decades, often affecting how people of color are represented. It occurs when White actors portray non-White characters or when stories of marginalized groups are redefined in a way that removes their cultural identities. Whitewashing not only limits representation but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces racial inequality. This article explores the concept of whitewashing, its impact on marginalized communities, and how we can fight back against it.
What Is Whitewashing?
In its simplest form, whitewashing refers to the practice of casting White actors in roles that are meant to represent non-White characters. This practice often stems from historical and cultural norms where non-White people were either underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media. Whitewashing can also extend beyond acting to include roles such as directors, producers, and other positions of power in the entertainment industry.
Dr. LeiLani Nishime, a professor of communication at the University of Washington, explains that whitewashing can also manifest in situations where people of color are overlooked or replaced by White individuals, even if those individuals have the same or even better qualifications. In addition, whitewashing can occur when award nominations (such as those at the Academy Awards) fail to recognize non-White actors, further sidelining their contributions to the industry.
One of the most infamous examples of whitewashing occurred in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, where White actor Mickey Rooney portrayed Mr. Yunioshi, an Asian man, while wearing yellowface—a form of makeup that caricatured Asian features. The film received widespread criticism for its offensive portrayal of an Asian character by a White actor, setting a precedent for future examples of whitewashing in Hollywood.
Another modern example of whitewashing is the casting of Tilda Swinton, a White actress, as the Ancient One in the 2016 film Doctor Strange, a character who was originally depicted as an Asian man in the Marvel Comics. This casting decision sparked backlash, with many arguing that it was a missed opportunity to represent an Asian character in an otherwise predominantly White cast.
The Harmful Effects of Whitewashing
Displacement of Representation
One of the most significant negative effects of whitewashing is the lack of representation for marginalized racial and ethnic communities. When non-White roles are played by White actors, it effectively erases these communities from the narratives, depriving them of the opportunity to tell their own stories. Dr. Nishime argues that this erasure is harmful, as it prevents people of color from being seen and heard in meaningful, empowering roles.
Reinforcing Racial Stereotypes
Whitewashing is not just about who gets cast in roles but also about the type of representation that non-White characters receive. In many cases, Whitewashed portrayals involve harmful racial stereotypes that paint non-White people in negative, offensive, or exaggerated ways. These portrayals reinforce misconceptions about non-White groups and perpetuate damaging narratives about their identities.
For example, yellowface and other forms of racial caricature were used in past decades to portray Asian characters in a way that dehumanized them. These stereotypes created a distorted and harmful image of what it meant to be Asian, and this history continues to affect how people of color are seen in the media today.
Impact on Mental Health
The effects of whitewashing extend beyond media and entertainment; they can also impact mental health and self-esteem for people of color. According to psychiatrist Dr. Leela Magavi, whitewashing can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and imposter syndrome. People from marginalized groups may feel pressure to conform to White standards of beauty, behavior, and identity. This pressure can manifest in subtle ways, such as adjusting one’s appearance or speech to align with dominant societal norms.
Dr. Magavi points out that these constant feelings of exclusion and being misrepresented in the media can exacerbate mental health struggles. People of color may feel like they have to hide parts of their identity to be accepted, which can lead to internalized racism and increased feelings of social isolation.
Discrimination and Public Health
The larger societal problem of whitewashing is intertwined with discrimination, which has been linked to negative health outcomes. In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially declared racism a public health threat, due to the adverse effects of racial discrimination on both mental and physical health. Research shows that people who experience discrimination are more likely to suffer from stress, high blood pressure, heart disease, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
The effects of whitewashing contribute to this systemic issue of racial discrimination, which impacts the well-being of marginalized communities. Discrimination in the media is just one facet of a broader societal problem that affects the daily lives of people of color.
How to Prevent Whitewashing
Ending whitewashing in media requires collective action from both individuals and industries. Here are several steps that can be taken to push back against whitewashing:
Support Diverse Storytelling
Supporting independent media creators, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, is key to dismantling whitewashing. Dr. Nishime emphasizes the importance of amplifying voices of people of color who are creating media that represents their cultures and experiences. Independent media makers are crucial in creating more authentic and diverse narratives that do not rely on the exclusion of non-White characters.
Advocate for Better Representation
To prevent whitewashing, it’s important to advocate for accurate representation of marginalized communities in all aspects of media production. This includes calling out instances of whitewashing when they occur and holding media companies accountable for their casting and storytelling choices. Dr. Magavi suggests that empathy is a crucial component in fighting whitewashing. By empathizing with those who have been misrepresented or excluded, we can begin to address the harms caused by whitewashing and work towards more inclusive media.
Education and Awareness
Educating both the public and the media industry about the harmful effects of whitewashing is essential for creating change. Dr. Magavi believes that listening to marginalized voices and amplifying their stories will help dismantle racism and encourage a more inclusive media landscape. Conversations around racial equality and representation should be at the forefront of discussions about media reform.
A Quick Review
Whitewashing is a form of racial discrimination that removes or replaces people of color with White actors, leading to a lack of representation and harmful stereotypes. Whitewashing not only limits opportunities for non-White actors but also negatively impacts the mental health and well-being of marginalized communities. To combat whitewashing, we need to support diverse voices, advocate for accurate representation, and educate the public about its harmful effects.
It is crucial that the media industry takes responsibility for promoting inclusive and authentic narratives. By supporting marginalized creators and making space for accurate portrayals of people of color, we can create a more equitable and inclusive media landscape.
