In “White Spirit,” The anti-graffiti sealant used to protect the mural from potential damage is called Armour All, and the product that the center can use to remove any graffiti applied above the sealant is called white spirit. The white spirit, of course, gives the story its title, which is a signal of its symbolic importance. The narrator purchases the sealant from a representative for the company Pro-Guard, who is, above all else, a salesman who treats the mural not as a piece of art, or as a celebration of diversity, but instead as an asset—revealing the true value of the mural to the centre. Further, the sealant and white spirit give the white leaders of the center a way to ensure that their mural about diversity will always look just as they want it to. In other words, it is another way that white power structures can celebrate “diversity” while ensuring that only they can control the actual message about diversity, and a symbol for how whiteness can actually quash or hinder true diversity by forcing every instance of multiculturalism or diversity to remain in a certain, artificial image that appeals to white viewers. The use of the sealant and white spirit shows that for the white people in charge of the centre, the artificial, positive image of diversity is more important than the actual reality and needs of the community.
The Sealant and White Spirit Quotes in White Spirit
“They won’t graffiti it,” interjects Mandy, who’s listening. She’s walking along past each big smiling face, giving each eye a realistic twinkle. “Nobody will graffiti anything they feel a sense of ownership and inclusion about.”
He’s beckoning to the minister, grinning glancing up at the mural to find a good place to stand in front of. “I’ve noticed those empty solvent tins out by the bins,” he murmurs in passing. “Can you dispose of them somewhere else, where the kids from round here won’t find them and sniff them? Ta.”
Local colour is what he wants. A multicultural coup. Boxes ticked. Oh, here’s our vision alright, I think bitterly, sealed and impervious and safeguarded. And no matter what gets scrawled there, whatever message or denial or contradiction, you can just wipe it away. With white spirit.