White Antiracist Identity: A Communication Case Study

Abstract

This dissertation examines the distinguishing characteristics of white antiracist identity and discourse as expressed by seven white men and five white women who made fighting racism a priority in their lives. It is an ethnographic account based primarily on individual interviews and participant observation. The study reports on participants' understanding of constructing, performing, and maintaining an oppositional identity (against racial oppression) at the same time as one is a member of an oppressor class. Emphasis is given to communication strategies whites used to manage problematic interactions, particularly in contexts of interracial distrust. Current antiracist training literature typically excludes discussion of interracial communication dilemmas whites encounter when vying to oppose racism. Current interracial communication literature typically excludes discussion of ideologies and practices aimed at eliminating racism. Implications of the case study are drawn for both antiracist pedagogy and interracial communication research. An extensive appendix summarizes the history of white antiracism in the United States and critiques history as presented in dominant educational textbooks.