The Marginalization of People of Colour through White-guilt in Abdulrazak Gurnah’s Admiring Silence

Abstract

This article explores the notion of white guilt and how it is
weaponised, consciously or subconsciously, in the
marginalisation of people of colour (POC), especially the
Africans in the diaspora. It aims to show how white guilt
changes its meaning from positive to negative when not
controlled. This medium attempts to explain the struggles
faced by black people in the diaspora through the lens of the
Duboisian narrative of double-consciousness. It is argued
here that white people, through their alleged guilt, cause
more damage than good. For context, Abdulrazak Gurnah’s
Admiring Silence is analysed as it eloquently captures white
guilt and its consequences. Findings reveal that the form of
social justice practised by white people, stemming from
white guilt, gives white people a sense of superiority and
causes harm to the psyche, and ultimately lives, of black
people.