Whitewashing

Whitewashing refers to the act of deliberately concealing or glossing over undesirable facts, often to present a more favorable account of a situation, individual, or entity. It can also refer to the physical act of painting something white. Traditionally viewed as a means of deceit or misrepresentation, Whitewashing is frequently criticized in political, historical, and cultural contexts.

Whitewashing meaning with examples

• In her autobiography, the author criticized the Whitewashing of her past, arguing that certain struggles were omitted to create a more palatable narrative for her readers, thus misrepresenting her journey and the hardships she overcame, ultimately leading to a diluted message that failed to inspire others authentically.
• During the press conference, the spokesperson was accused of Whitewashing the company's environmental impacts, presenting only positive data and ignoring significant pollution records, which raised skepticism among environmental activists, prompting calls for more transparency and accountability in corporate practices.
• The documentary received backlash for its Whitewashing of historical events, as it portrayed a skewed version of the truth, neglecting critical perspectives that would have provided viewers with a well-rounded understanding of the issues, and thereby, undermining the complexity of the subject matter.
• The politician's speech was seen as an attempt at Whitewashing his controversial past, as he focused solely on his recent achievements while glossing over previous mistakes, leading to accusations of insincerity from opponents who called for a more honest account of his track record.