Dying Of Whiteness

Dying Of Whiteness

Adult nonfiction
"Before Donald Trump could implement his agenda--in some cases,
before he even took the oath of office--reporters and pundits were
already tallying the negative implications of his proposals for many
Americans. This isn't surprising; changes in government inevitably
create winners and losers. The twist here is that Trump's plans would
hurt the working class white populations who formed the core for his
own base."
Years into the Trump presidency people are still trying to
figure out why so many people voted against their own interests,
pulling for a man whose policies would endanger their wellbeing and
sometimes their lives. Jonathan Metzel, quoted above, author of Dying
Of Whiteness, went on the road to explore this topic. He talked to
many people in states where a recent political act could be considered
especially salient in this respect:
*Missouri, where gun laws had been drastically loosened;
*Tennessee, where the decision was made to not expand Medicaid;
and *Kansas, where drastic austerity budgets were making the well off
richer while wreaking havoc on infrastructure and education.
What Metzel discovered was what he calls the castle doctrine.
Until fairly recently in American history Whiteness was considered the
measure of all things. It procured privileges both economic and
psychological. Only now, with minorities poised to become the
majority and tales spreading that immigrants, welfare queens, and
blacks are prospering at their expense, many lower income Whites are
feeling beseiged and endangered.
"As I've shown, the construction of whiteness as a castle under
siege, and the policies that sustain it, comes with certain benefits--
such as the ability to carry guns in public without being seen as a
suspect. But this construction works over time to obscure the plagues
that arise from within the castle walls. Ever-more guns, or ever-more
tax cuts or health system rejections, promise to make the citizenry
great again or to afford protection but in reality only weaken the
foundation and heighten the calculus of risk. Threat then emerges not
from shady gun dealers, insane persons, immigrants, or protesters but
from the far more existential threats to well-being posed by the king,
the queen, the prince, the subjects, and perhaps most important, from
the royal self."
Talk about a perfect image for being White in Trump's America!
If you want to understand why so many of us support the president's
plans and policies or to help create a safer, more equitable America
when the coronavirus shitstorm dies down, Dying Of Whiteness is a must
read.
On a purrrsonal note, when our kids were little the approach of winter
meant potential hardship. My partner's work hours went down as
heating oil became a necessity. Eugene would stock on nonperishables
in advance, clipping coupons to make his money go further. (Being the
driver in the family, he did the shopping.) In the neighborhood he was
admired as being a good provider. He's using that skill again in the
current crisis. Only he isn't taking stocking up too much and putting
others at risk of losing out. Today I was amused to see that along
with the meat, canned veggies, and spray cleaner was a catnip
toy. :-) He really loves our little rescue cat. Even as he tells her
she's spoiled he scratches her belly. Last night they looked up in
unison from the sofa where they were watching tv. (Jules).
I am one lucky cat. On my third birthday I got adopted to a lovely
home with food, toys, nip, cozy napping spots, and two hoomans who
adore me. A rescue cat's dream come true. During this shitstorm a
lot of floofs and goggies may have longer waits for homes. And don't
forget kitten season is on the way. But there are things you can do.
1) If you possibly can adopt a rescue critter. You will gain a
faithful friend who will enhance your health and keep you from being
lonely. 2) If a long term commitment is out of the picture, fostering
a kitten or puppy will make him or her more adoptable. 3) All the
animals in the shelters need food, supplies, and medical care. An
online fundraiser for your favorite shelter would help them carry out
their very important work. Remember you can't buy love, but you can
rescue it.
Jules and Tobago Hathaway


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