A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis of Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

• In Event: “Be Real Black For Me”: Black Livingness in Children’s Literature - From Past to Present to Hopeful Futures

Abstract

The Coretta Scott King Award (CSKA) is one of the few book awards that specifically highlights the contributions of Black authors and illustrators. Since its inception in 1970, it has been a valuable resource for parents, librarians, and educators seeking authentic Black stories. Award-winning books have a greater chance of being included in classrooms and public libraries, and they also serve as valuable instructional tools, making it all the more important to critically examine these texts. Critical multimodal literacy advances equitable learning opportunities by acknowledging differences and honoring all voices. As we begin to prioritize multimodal expression in students to gauge learning, it would also be beneficial to implement multimodal analysis in classroom materials.
This study employs Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA) to investigate the question: How do written text and illustrations collaborate to convey ideologies about Black people in picture books? Utilizing a flexible method such as MCDA to examine the Coretta Scott King Award-winning text, Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, allowed researchers to replicate the steps of an elementary school read-aloud to engage in discourse, aiming to demonstrate that MCDA is a practical method for teachers to use when critically examining children’s literature.
MCDA, as a methodology, recognizes that no single semiotic mode should be privileged over another; thus, it is an ideal method for examining children’s picture books, where illustrations hold equal value to written text. Though it has been criticized for its lack of a strict implementation method, the flexibility of MCDA is a strength that supports its application across various fields. This research illuminates the need for more critical analyses of multicultural literature. Using MCDA, I analyzed the text for the following elements: eye gaze, positioning, active and passive voice, color, literary elements (such as repetition and alliteration), and word choice. The source of data collection for this study is the Coretta Scott King Award-winning children’s text, Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre.
Three major themes were identified in the analysis: financial wealth, Black citizens deemed unworthy of citizenship, and the institution’s role in violence. Through the use of MCDA, teachers can critically examine children’s texts to encourage meaningful classroom discussion and identify the need for supplemental reading materials. Texts like Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre can facilitate conversations about power and privilege as they relate to race, wealth, and occupation.

Author

• Vivica Joines, University of Maryland