The theory of Critical “Whiteness” problematises as a critical theory certain social categories that are allegedly “white” (and not “Black”). Allegedly, there is a common standpoint of “white” people that stands in opposition to the standpoint of marginalised people.470 The power structures associated with these standpoints are transmitted above all through socialisation.
“Whiteness” as a social position has little to do with skin colour, although in the present system all white people benefit from structural racism because of their skin colour.471 “Whiteness” includes certain societal norms of which white people are often not aware because of their privileges (see false consciousness).472
Since the category “white” is not to have any self-empowerment potential, “white” is to be written in lower case in contrast to “Black”. The value conceptions of “whiteness” can also be internalised by BIPOCs (internalised oppression).
Among the white categories are allegedly also norms and behaviours such as private property, Protestant work ethic, punctuality, time management, individualism, autonomy, rational thinking, empirical science, politeness, the focus on written communication, the Greco-Roman tradition, Christian-Jewish values, as well as the general hope for a better future.473 474 These partly racist representations were deleted by the Smithsonian Museum after media protest. However, such ideas continue to be taught in anti-racism courses.475
All “white” norms are considered socially constructed; allegedly, they are responsible for the marginalisation of BIPOCs.476 From an anti-racist perspective, white people are to engage in self-critical examination of their culture by deconstructing their “whiteness”.477
For white people, it is impossible, even as allies, to become non-white due to their privileged position in the system. Instead, they are to strive to become “less white”. For white people, there is to be no positive reference to a white identity. Therefore, the practised allyship can also be problematic if white persons benefit from it (for example through status gain).478