A Tanzanian Maasai View of Whiteness: A Complex Relationship between Half-Brothers

Vanessa Wijngaarden

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A Tanzanian Maasai View of Whiteness: A Complex Relationship between Half-Brothers

In: Unsettling Whiteness

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Vanessa Wijngaarden

Vanessa Wijngaarden
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 203–215

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9781848882829_019

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Understanding Maasai perceptions of whiteness can give insight in how and why images based on racial constructs continue to be (re)produced. Embedded in anthropological methods I used Q methodology with illiterate people to create detailed mindmaps of their images of ‘the other’ which can be compared to make visible more general social perspectives. The image that Maasai from a small village in Tanzania have of what they call ‘whites’ is remarkably positive and consistent among a variety of demographic categories. ‘Whites’ are characterised as people of God, having a white heart. They are described as extremely capable and virtuous, which distinguishes them from Maasai. However, they also share with Maasai a certain sociability and familiarity. Under the influence of increased interaction, negative characteristics and mistrust are added to the extremely positive image, however without replacing the positive traits. The stubborn character of the positive characteristics in the Maasai’ views leads to an overall contradictory image of whites as having a double character. These views are reflected in a mythological story that explains the differences and similarities between Maasai and ‘whites’ while prescribing and legitimating their relationship and behaviour towards each other in terms of a mythical blood relationship. As is the case with tourists’ image of Maasai as ‘noble savages,’ Maasai’ idea of ‘whites’ as capable and virtuous, has an ideological function. It is a mythical image that was never constructed to adequately describe ‘the other’ but created to explain, legitimise and cope with the position of ‘the self’ vis-à-vis ‘the other.’

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Unsettling Whiteness

E-Book ISBN:: 9781848882829

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 01 Jan 2014

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A Tanzanian Maasai View of Whiteness: A Complex Relationship between Half-Brothers

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Unsettling Whiteness

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