The Possessive Investment In Whiteness Summary: Exploring The Roots Of White Supremacy

Introduction

The Possessive Investment in Whiteness is a book written by George Lipsitz that explores the roots of white supremacy in America. Lipsitz argues that white people have invested heavily in their whiteness, making it a valuable asset that they use to maintain their social, economic, and political power. This investment in whiteness has created a system of institutionalized racism that continues to oppress people of color today. In this article, we will summarize the key points of Lipsitz’s book and explore its relevance in today’s society.

The Possessive Investment in Whiteness

Lipsitz defines the possessive investment in whiteness as the ways in which white people have benefited from and continue to benefit from their whiteness. This investment is not just financial, but also cultural and social. White people have created a system where their whiteness is seen as the norm, and anyone who does not fit this mold is considered inferior. This system has been institutionalized through laws, policies, and social norms that continue to benefit white people at the expense of people of color.

The Roots of White Supremacy

Lipsitz argues that white supremacy is not just a belief system, but a way of organizing society. He traces the roots of white supremacy back to the earliest days of America, when white colonizers used violence and oppression to control indigenous peoples and enslave Africans. This violence created a system of racial hierarchy that continues to this day. Lipsitz also explores how white supremacy has been perpetuated through popular culture, such as movies and music, that reinforce white norms and exclude people of color.

The Impact of the Possessive Investment in Whiteness

The possessive investment in whiteness has had a profound impact on American society. It has created a system of racial inequality that affects every aspect of life, from housing and employment to education and healthcare. People of color are more likely to live in poverty, have worse health outcomes, and be incarcerated than white people. This inequality is not just the result of individual prejudice, but of a system that is designed to benefit white people at the expense of others.

Relevance Today

Although The Possessive Investment in Whiteness was written in 1998, its message is still relevant today. We continue to see the effects of institutionalized racism in America, from police brutality against people of color to voter suppression and gerrymandering. The possessive investment in whiteness is not just a historical phenomenon, but a current reality that continues to shape our society.

What Can We Do?

Lipsitz argues that the first step in addressing white supremacy is acknowledging its existence. We must recognize that our society is built on a foundation of racial inequality and work to dismantle it. This means advocating for policies that promote racial justice, supporting organizations that work to empower people of color, and challenging our own biases and assumptions. It