Critical Discourse Analysis of Fisher Anti–Affirmative Action Rhetoric

• In Event: 44.084 - Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: 44.084-13 - Questioning Equity and Measurement: Criticality in Research on College-Going Policies and Pathways

Abstract

This study provides an analysis of discourse from the Fisher case against affirmative action. The analysis is focused on discourse from the Fisher team, including two promotional videos from the Project on Fair Representation and interviews of Abigail Fisher about the suit against UT Austin. The study utilizes racial formation theory and critical race theory as theoretical lenses to inform the analysis. The discourse from Fisher was consistent with the dominant post racial ideology. The findings are reported in aggregate and all echoed majoritarian attitudes toward race. Three themes, consistent with post-racial theory, were found: meritocracy, color-blind principle, and reverse racism/white privilege. A final theme, and unexpected finding, was the concept of personal voice/advocacy.

Author

• Lydia Ross, Arizona State University - Tempe