The costs of “whiteness” to individuals and groups in American society. Firstly, they lack solid culture. In other words, they are cultureless (Frankenberg, p.101). Whiteness as a cultural space is represented here as amorphous and indescribable, in contrast with a range of other identities marked by race, ethnicity, region, and class (Frankenberg, p.101). Secondly, there are stereotypes about whites which give negative signifiers to them. People view whites as spoiled by capitalism and as being linked with capitalism in a way that other cultures supposedly are not (Frankenberg, p.103). Furthermore, the stereotype usually view whites as uniquely tainted by capitalism had to do with “modern condition” (Frankenberg, p.101).
The benefits of “whiteness” to individuals and groups in American society. Firstly, because of the lack of culture, white culture had a great deal of power and it is difficult to dislodge from its place in white consciousness as a point of reference for the measuring of others. Besides, thanks to the discursive repertoire, whites are viewed as the in-born Americans and can stay in good relationship with other groups. Furthermore, for individuals, cultureless whiteness make them find more interesting points from people from other culture.
To conclude, whiteness is a double-edged sword: it is viewed as artificial and dominating (“bad”) and civilized (“good”) (Frankenberg, p.105).
From my own perspective, the benefits outweigh the costs because the unique whiteness culture gives the whites more possibility, creativity, tolerance, and ability to get along with other cultures easily. It is worth to mentioning that the “same” culture is essential for globalization, and economics. It break through the barriers between cultures and reach to cooperation quickly. Apart from that, as Frankenberg says, whites are good to make folk arts. It means that the white culture is special and can be suitable for some specific art. Also, considering the racial situation in America, it is because of the identity of whites that they can lead the nation to grow and develop (Nell Irvin Painter, 2017).
America is a country of immigrants and it is formed of people from diverse cultures, countries, and races. If there is no tolerant, universal, and “same” group, then no pillar will exist to stand for this country (Nell Irvin Painter, 2017). On such occasions, for some extents, white people gather the power of all cultures and lead the country blossom. It means that whites have taken the costs of whiteness but the whole country enjoy the benefits.