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Defending whiteness indirectly: a synthetic approach to race discourse analysis

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF, USA, fosterj{at}uapb.edu

This article examines the discursive method utilized by a sample of white college students in the United States when engaging in racetalk. Findings reveal myriad contradictions within their responses. It is suggested that these contradictions are not coincidental; rather, they serve two important functions for the speakers: first, they aid the interlocutors in their impression management (i.e. their image of a non racist); and second, the rationalization of the racial order. Utilizing an integrative approach, it is argued that this form of racetalk, whether intentionally or unintentionally, defends the white racial frame. This racetalk allows respondents to (1) project blame onto nonwhite Americans for race problems in US society, and (2) acknowledge racial difference only in contexts in which it favors whites.

Key Words: contradictions • racetalk • racism • white racial frame • whiteness

Discourse & Society, Vol. 20, No. 6, 685-703 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0957926509342062


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