Dominant Narratives and the Power of Historical Representation

When two men were discussing committing an atrocity, one warned the other, “If we do this, history will never forgive us.” The other replied confidently, “No problem—when we win the war, we will write the history.” This poignant exchange encapsulates how dominant groups shape historical narratives, controlling how events are remembered, interpreted, and disseminated. The history of Western Civilization, particularly as presented by the Western Church, often illustrates how “winners” have influenced collective memory and reinforced systems of racial and gender hierarchy. I touched on this topic briefly in my article, “Whitewashed: How a Jewish and brown Jesus became an Aryan,” Times of Israel January 18, 2023. 

European Art and White-Centric Depictions

Michelangelo’s iconic painting The Creation of Adam on the Sistine Chapel ceiling (1508–1512) epitomizes this phenomenon. Adam is depicted with distinctly European features—fair skin, —reflecting the aesthetics and ideals of Renaissance Italy rather than the historical realities of biblical Mesopotamia. Michelangelo, like many Renaissance artists, derived inspiration from classical Greco-Roman traditions that idealized European physical traits as universal.

Such Eurocentric iconography extended across depictions of biblical figures—Jesus, Mary, apostles—cementing the visual narrative that holiness, divinity, and ideal humanity were inherently white. This cultural assumption, though reflective of the artist’s environment rather than overt conspiracy, reinforced long-standing racial biases.

Media Influence and Reinforcement

The historical pattern of centering whiteness and masculinity in religious iconography gained further global prominence through mainstream media. Hollywood films like The Ten Commandments (1956), starring Charlton Heston as Moses, or Cleopatra (1963), featuring Elizabeth Taylor, continued the tradition of “whitewashing” historically non-European figures. These cinematic portrayals broadcast and normalized a Eurocentric perspective to global audiences, deepening the perception that significant historical and sacred characters naturally aligned with white identities.

Such widespread representations, reinforced by the authority of institutions like the Vatican and culturally dominant media, entrenched the subconscious assumption of white racial superiority and the normalization of white masculinity as the divine standard.

Cultural and Psychological Effects

The repeated portrayal of Adam, Jesus, and God the “Father” as white men carries profound cultural and psychological impacts. Audiences internalize messages about racial hierarchy, perceiving whiteness as associated with moral authority, sacredness, and historical prominence. This normalization profoundly influences identity formation, leading to internalized biases and reinforcing structures of racial dominance.

For non-white communities, this dominant imagery creates cognitive dissonance and internalized marginalization, as revered religious and historical figures do not reflect their own identities or experiences. Additionally, portraying God exclusively as a male figure further reinforces patriarchal structures, marginalizing women’s spiritual and religious leadership roles.

Contemporary Reassessments and Inclusivity Efforts

Recognizing these problematic implications, modern theologians, historians, and artists increasingly challenge Eurocentric portrayals. Liberation theologians, such as those from Black Liberation Theology, Feminist Theology, and Latin American Liberation Theology, have critically examined and actively reimagined sacred narratives to represent diverse cultural and racial contexts authentically.

Moreover, contemporary art and media now reflect greater inclusivity, casting historically plausible actors and embracing multicultural iconography. For instance, Middle Eastern and African artists increasingly portray biblical figures in ways that reflect their historical contexts, countering traditional Western representations.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The historical dominance of white-centric and patriarchal representations in sacred and secular contexts underscores how narratives shaped by power can embed lasting biases. Critically examining these portrayals does not undermine religious tradition; instead, it enriches collective understanding and promotes inclusivity. Encouraging diverse representations of religious and historical figures across art, media, and education fosters a more equitable, accurate, and meaningful engagement with history. Through intentional inclusivity, society can challenge entrenched assumptions and recognize the vibrant, diverse experiences of humanity’s shared past.

References and Further Reading:

• Cone, James H. Black Theology and Black Power (1969).
• Miles, Margaret R. Image as Insight: Visual Understanding in Western Christianity and Secular Culture (1985).
• Said, Edward W. Orientalism (1978).
• Taylor, Keeanga-Yamahtta (Ed.). How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective (2017).
• Wood, Marcus. Blind Memory: Visual Representations of Slavery in England and America (2000).