Constructions of Racism: Learning Racism in the New Media

• In Event: Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: Identities and Repertoires: The Social Constructions of Race, Multiculturalism, and Figured Worlds

Abstract

New media unites people, but also provides space to segregate, and perpetuate racism and misogyny. The study examines how racism-learning takes place. We examine constructions of racism and cultural models of participation in response to three media events. We ask: How do on-line dialogues and hybrid responses construct and de-construct racism? And what might predict on-line dialogue, which fosters un-learning of racism, as opposed to individual responses, which display racism? Our data sources included, self-defined-race and gender segregated and non-segregated youth focus groups and individual semi-structured questionnaires. Data collection included use of video as cue to stimulate reflection as well as monitored on-line discussions about racialized media events. Results contribute to knowledge about digital literacies within monitored educational contexts.

Authors

• Angela E. Arzubiaga, Arizona State University

• Kathy Nakagawa, Arizona State University