Our Voices, Our Turn: Complexifying Critical Whiteness Studies With Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Scholarship

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

As the field of whiteness studies grows more scholars are using Critical Whiteness Studies. Yet, how one uses CWS varies. Some scholars are adamant that the study of whiteness must be undertaken by whites; a process that does not cite BIPOC scholars. Others use CWS by recognizing that Black scholars initiated the critique of whiteness, yet in this recognition, rarely draw substantially from their scholarship. Others claim to use CWS in ways that fixate solely on white racial epiphanies. Though the growth is impressive, questions remain. Is there one way of employing CWS? How do scholars of color conceptualize CWS? How is it employed to advance racial justice? This symposium reasserts the BIPOC scholars’ voices in the critique of whiteness.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Critical Examination of Race, Ethnicity, Class, and Gender in Education

Chair

• James or Jim Scheurich, Indiana University - Indianapolis

Papers

• Rediscovering the Conflict Zone: Can the Subaltern Redefine the Theory? - Kako Koshino, Mejiro University

• "Sounds About White!" Countering the Erasure of Asian American Scholars in Critical Whiteness Studies - Lin Wu, Western Oregon University

• Until Ya'll Get It There Will Be No Equitable Education Systems: An Open Letter to White Liberals - Cleveland Hayes, Indiana University - Indianapolis

• Lemme - Kenneth Maurice Tyler, University of Kentucky

Discussant

• Cheryl E. Matias, University of San Diego