A Musical History
Somewhat late in life I began the journey of understanding what it means to be White. During those years I have become more aware of the many ways in which racism hurts me, my family and my White community at a deep level. Racism is not just about loss for Black and Brown people. To dismantle racism, we have to understand how it hurts White people too. Without this knowledge people who look like me (Whites) have little hope of being emotionally invested in undoing it. Without being emotionally invested, we will continue to tire easily or, when we become uncomfortable, turn away.
This project is my attempt to actually feel the process of becoming White – by vicariously inserting myself into the minds and hearts of fictional and historical characters who are being seduced into supporting a culture that clearly benefits some at the expense of others. Visit originsofwhiteness.com to view lyrics, learn about the back story for each song and to dig deeper. This is an ongoing project.