Toward Intersectional Collectivity in Critical Whiteness Studies

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Toward Intersectional Collectivity in Critical Whiteness Studies

Abstract

The final paper is offered in place of a separate discussant. Instead, we present a collectively authored piece that offers our vision toward a more explicitly intersectional CWS. The authors carry complex identities individually and in relationship to one another, particularly around national origin, racialized identity, gender identity, and institutional positioning. This paper considers two central questions: (1) how are we afforded and limited differently based on our positionings? (2) When we try to do this work in radical solidarity with one another, what tensions arise? For example, the symposium has an explicit aim to decenter whiteness and masculinities, and yet each of our identities is wrapped up in these forces in complex ways. What can happen differently when we engage a consistent practice of placing our subjectivities and interpretations in direct conversation with one another? Rather than imagining ourselves as a unified front, we endeavor to present ourselves as living examples of the complexities of critical community building by engaging in a practice of radical honesty (brown, 2017) and vulnerability as a route toward collectivity.

Authors

• Ann Mogush Mason, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Ryan C Kiesel, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Younkyung Hong, Self-employed

• Noah Isaiah Sims, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• finn j. schneider, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Ariana Yang, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities