Race Talk: Online Discussions About Race and Oppression for Students in an Undergraduate Social Justice Course

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:40 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Perspectives in Digital Spaces for 21st-Century Learning (Table 3)

Abstract

This paper explores student dialogue around race and oppression through analysis of online discussion boards in a social justice course. Critical Race Theory (CRT), theories of race talk, and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) foreground this study. This project addresses the following research questions: (1) What do discussion boards uncover about student race talk? (2) How can discussion boards function as safe, supportive settings for all students? Findings include white students displaying respectful appreciation while distancing themselves from race talk. Authentic connection is possible when white students name their privilege and intersecting identities, and when students of color feel affirmed and seen through connection with peers.

Authors

• Erin Block, Oregon State University

• Kathryn Esther Mcintosh, Oregon State University