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Whitewashing literally means coating a surface with whitewash, a white mixture traditionally made from water and powder. Figuratively, it means hiding or minimizing troubling facts to make a person, organization, or history look better. In discussions of race and representation, it can also mean replacing or excluding non-white people and perspectives.
What does whitewashing mean in painting?
In its literal sense, whitewashing is applying a white coating—whitewash—to a wall or building. The word also supplies the image behind the figurative meaning: covering something over so flaws or unwanted details are less visible.
What does whitewashing mean as a cover-up?
To accuse someone of whitewashing an event or record is to say they concealed, softened, or selectively presented facts so the subject appears less responsible or damaging. It may involve omissions, euphemistic language, a biased investigation, or a one-sided account. The Cambridge English Dictionary defines this sense as “an attempt to stop people finding out the true facts about a situation.”
The term suggests more than an ordinary mistake, brief summary, or disagreement about interpretation. To assess the claim, identify which facts were omitted or minimized, how they were presented, and whether the selection made the account misleadingly favorable.
#1 Best Overall
- GREAT FOR HIGHLY POROUS SURFACES: Brightens the appearance of stucco, stone, brick and wood while letting natural surface texture shine through
- CUSTOMIZABLE COVERAGE: Can be diluted with water to achieve your desired coverage
- SELF PRIMING AND SEALING: All in one formula allows for quick and easy application with a smooth finish
- LOW VOC: Water-based formula is low odor and low VOC allowing for a more comfortable painting experience
- SMOOTH FINISH: Achieve a smooth, matte finish on both interior and exterior surfaces
What does whitewashing mean in race and representation?
In film, television, and other representations, whitewashing can mean casting a white performer as a character who is not white. Cambridge describes this as “the practice of using only white actors, models, or performers, especially the practice of using a white actor to play a character who is not white.” The term is also used for replacing or excluding minority characters, groups, or perspectives in fictional or historical accounts, thereby privileging white people and viewpoints.
Here, the issue is not a cover-up of misconduct but racial erasure or exclusion. Consider who is represented, who has been replaced or left out, and how the resulting portrayal frames the people or history involved.
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- 2-in-1 wood stain and applicator is perfect for crafts and small projects
- Water-based, low odor formula is easy to use and cleans with soap and water
- Enhances the natural beauty of wood without the mess of traditional wood stain
- Easy flow sponge tip provides greater color control for easy application and less mess
- Semi-transparent stain colors are buildable with multiple coats
Other meanings of whitewashing
- Sports: Informally, a whitewashing is a severe defeat, especially a shutout in which the losing side scores no points.
- Literal decorating: It can simply describe putting whitewash on a surface, without any figurative implication.
Because the word has several established meanings, context matters. In painting, it may refer to a coating; in a report or historical account, it usually alleges sanitization; in a discussion of casting or representation, it points to racial exclusion or replacement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MULTI-SURFACE COMPATIBILITY: Can be applied to bare wood or over stain
- EXTREMELY VERSATILE USE: using different application techniques, can provide modern farmhouse or shabby chic look
- RICH, EVEN COLOR: Covers up to 275 square feet per quart
- EASY APPLICATION PROCESS: No wood conditioner required
- FAST DRY TIME: Dries in one hour
Rank #4
- Adds a touch or age & character to bare or already stained wood
- Apply over oil or water-based stain with a synthetic or foam brush, stain pad or rag.
- Dries in 1 hour. Endless coats in just one coat.
- Water based formula cleans up with soap and water
- Available in 3 beautiful colors.
Rank #3
- This paint must be diluted at at least a 1:2 ratio with water to achieve full coverage. See images for more details.
- Water-Based Acrylic Paint. Safe, Low on Odor, and VOCs
- Covers 100 Sq. Ft. of Brick Surface
- Transforms in Five Hours
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