@lesliecyoungblood: In Toni Morrison's work, the "white gaze" refers to the perspective of a presumed white audience that influences the writing and worldview of Black authors, often leading to self-censorship or an attempt to explain Black experiences to a white readership. Morrison actively resisted this gaze, striving to create literature that focused on the Black experience for a Black audience, without the need to constantly justify or explain it to a white perspective. Here's a more detailed breakdown: The Concept: The white gaze, as described by Morrison, says NPR, is the idea that Black lives and experiences are only meaningful when viewed through the lens of whiteness or when validated by a white audience. Morrison's Resistance: Morrison rejected this notion, aiming to write stories that centered the Black experience and spoke directly to Black readers without needing to constantly justify, explain, or apologize. She wanted to create literature that reflected the fullness and complexity of Black life without the constraints of the white gaze. Impact on Writing: The white gaze can lead to self-censorship, as Black authors may feel pressured to write in a way that will be palatable or understandable to a white audience, potentially omitting or downplaying certain aspects of the Black experience. Beyond Literature: The concept of the white gaze extends beyond literature, impacting various aspects of society where whiteness is often positioned as the default or norm. Morrison's Legacy: Morrison's work, particularly her concept of the white gaze, has been influential in challenging dominant narratives and empowering Black authors and artists to create on their own terms. This video discusses Toni Morrison's fight against the white gaze and its influence-googe #tonimorrison #blackwriters #blackauthors #blackwritersoftiktok #writers

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Monday 21 July 2025 02:35:21 GMT