The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has been accused of "racism" after releasing a whiteness chart that links hard work and a nuclear family unit to white culture.
The graphic, entitled “Aspects and Assumptions of Whiteness and White Culture in the United States,” also mentions a focus on the scientific method and self-reliance are intrinsic to the "dominant" white culture.
The chart is part of a larger "Talking About Race" section of the museum's website, which aims to explain white privilege and how it is linked to the oppression of people of color.
"White dominant culture, or whiteness, refers to they way white people and their traditions, attitudes and ways of life have been normalized over time and are now considered standard practices in the United States," according to the chart.
Some of the "white" values identified in the chart include:
Rugged individualism
The nuclear family where the husband is the breadwinner and protector of the family
The "protestant work ethic"
Christianity
Respect for authority
Scientific ‘thinking’: objective, rational
Work before play
Delayed gratification
Optimism “Tomorrow will be better”
Are these things bad, now?
The list goes on to include how the American justice system is based on English common law, Americans are taught to "win at all costs" and always strive to be No. 1 and the value of being polite and refusing to show emotion.
The museum's "whiteness" chart was shared to Twitter by commentator Bryon York, and immediately met with some backlash, particularly from users who claim that people of color also hold the outlined American values. The chart was also accused by some as being racist, although it was created by social justice ‘experts’ and placed on display in the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The museum, which is part of the Smithsonian Institute, also took to Twitter to clarify the purpose of their "Talking About Race" section.
"At a time when the soul of our country is being tested, our Talking About Race portal will help individuals and communities foster constructive conversations and much needed dialogue about one of our nation's challenging topics: Racism and its corrosive impact," the tweet said.
At the bottom of the page, the NMAAHC offers a number of conversation points, videos, and reading suggestions for educators, parents, and others to use when addressing “whiteness.”
“Facing your whiteness is hard and can result in feelings of guilt, sadness, confusion, defensiveness, or fear,” the page suggests. “For white people doing anti-racist and social justice work, the first meaningful step should be to recognize their fragility around racial issues and build their emotional stamina.”
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“And they sang a new song, saying: You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made us kings and priests to our God, and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:9-10).