Should white be capitalized MLA? This question often arises when formatting documents according to the MLA (Modern Language Association) style guide. The MLA format is widely used in the humanities, particularly in English and foreign language departments, and it provides specific guidelines for capitalization and formatting. In this article, we will explore the rules surrounding the capitalization of the word “white” in MLA format and offer some insights into the debate surrounding this issue.
The MLA style guide emphasizes the importance of consistency in capitalization. According to MLA guidelines, proper nouns, titles of works, and certain other words should be capitalized. However, the word “white” does not fall into any of these categories. It is not a proper noun, nor is it the title of a work. Therefore, based on the MLA format, “white” should not be capitalized in a typical sentence.
Despite the clear guidelines, some writers and editors argue that “white” should be capitalized in certain contexts. For instance, when referring to the race or ethnicity of individuals, some may believe that capitalizing “white” is necessary to emphasize the racial identity. This perspective is rooted in the idea that race is a social construct and capitalizing “white” can help to highlight the significance of this identity. However, this is not a rule within the MLA format, and it is important to note that capitalizing “white” in this context is not universally accepted.
Another argument for capitalizing “white” is based on the concept of “capitalization for emphasis.” In some cases, writers may choose to capitalize certain words to emphasize their importance within a sentence. While this practice is not explicitly discouraged by the MLA, it is not a standard rule either. Therefore, capitalizing “white” for emphasis should be done with caution and only when it is necessary to convey a specific meaning.
In conclusion, the MLA style guide does not require the capitalization of the word “white” in a typical sentence. However, the debate over whether or not to capitalize “white” in certain contexts remains a topic of discussion. It is essential for writers to be aware of the rules and guidelines provided by the MLA format, but it is also important to consider the context in which the word is used. Ultimately, the decision to capitalize “white” should be based on the writer’s intention and the specific requirements of the assignment or publication.
