As a white person, understanding my white culture has always been a foreign concept. We never learned about whiteness - what that meant, what cultural identities were tied to is, or how it allowed us to move in the world. It was discussed in terms of heritage - being (mostly) and looking Irish/German, those were identified as part of who we are. In addition, there was pride in the knowledge that we were also part Native American, Pequot & Delaware Indian, this connection had been told within the family and has yet to be fully confirmed. It is interesting to me that within our white family, being part Native was looked at as exotic, unique, and alluring, which seemed to be a drastic contrast to what Native Americans experience. As a parent, trying to raise anti-racist children, this section has me reflecting on how we have taught about their white privilege and about racism, but I don't really know where to begin with teaching them about their white culture, because I am unsure as to what that actually is, apart from the race that created/participates/supports system of oppression.
Great comment Katia. White culture and white privilege was a foreign concept to me as well. I think partly because my family was lower middle class when I was a kid, although most in my family rose to upper middle class, which is interesting to think about now as an adult.
I think the point is that the main stream is the white culture. We have set the standard. I am half Japanese and have Caucasian (Scots Irish) and I was disappointed that I couldn't identify as such. I totally hear you on the exotic allure. lol. My mother came here after WWII so she learned to assimilate very quickly and even identified herself as white once when questioned. I think that the role of white people who have been humane and allies to the oppressed is the story for our children.
Thank you for your insight about your experience. Yes, I agree, they made this part clear, which is an interesting one - definitely not the way I have ever thought about it. I think it's interesting that in a way we, as white parents, don't really have to "teach" about white culture since it is mainstream, but then it seems that we do have a duty to teach about it, so this idea definitely has me contemplating a lot.