From Antiracism to Antiracisms

Abstract

Although antiracism has existed as long as there has been racism, social scientists’ attention to antiracism has increased in the past decade. In this essay, I argue that the body of scholarship on antiracism is characterized by three main strands: (1) a macro focus on the ideology and structure of antiracist social movement organizations, often attempting to distil ‘the real’ antiracism from others deemed not critical or radical enough to qualify; (2) a micro focus on what motivates individuals to become antiracist, usually concentrating more on whites and using an a priori assumption that people of colour are automatic antiracists; and (3) a more promising interest in the antiracisms of the racial middle (Latinos, Asians, multiracials). This latter focus is emerging with a handful of scholars largely outside the United States, questioning the assumptions of the previous two strands, and offering interesting potential for the future of the field.

The sociology of antiracism in Black and White

“…As they engage in counter framing (Feagin, ), the possible outcomes of their antiracism range from integration to autonomy. Research on Black antiracism challenges assumptions about that people of color are inherently antiracist (O'Brien, ). Instead, I find that although all Black antiracists must negotiate emphasized blackness, their approach can range from integrationist to oppositional.…”

“…Much of the sociological literature on antiracism focuses on Whites in the United States and Europe (Bowser, ; Brown, ; Cooper, Schaefer, and Brod, 2003; Hartigan, ; Hughey, 2007; Hughey, ; Katz, ; Katz, 2003; Kivel, ; Marty, ; O'Brien, ; O'Brien, ; Segrest, ; Warren, 2010). Whites ultimately perform antiracism in a manner that reinforces rather than weakens White supremacy due to hegemonic whiteness .…”

“…In regard to institutions, Whites have historically participated in the founding and maintenance of a number of antiracist organizations. For instance, at its founding, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) had more White than non‐White members (Brown, ; O'Brien, ; O'Brien, ). White antiracist interests often align with liberalism, particularly the notion that the goal of antiracism should be equality and integration between people of color and Whites (Brown, ; Dua, 2015; Hughey, ).…”

“…In this essay, I argue Dubiosian theory, Black Feminist Thought, and inform new directions in the sociology of antiracism through the construction of a frame that assumes the agency of people of color to challenge hegemonic racialization. This essay contains three main points: (a) Hegemonic whiteness constrains some forms of antiracism, this includes White or dominant group antiracism (Bowser, ; Hughey, ), which fails to secure liberation from White supremacy as its orientation is toward equality within existing systems rather than a divestment; (b) Subordinate group antiracism occurs in relation to hegemonic whiteness , and its specific orientation to hegemonic whiteness determines strategies, ideology, and outcomes; (c) Lastly, I follow antiracism scholars who assert the study of the counterhegemonic practices of people of color offers sociology crucial insights (O'Brien, ; Vieria, ). This paper ends with the examination of Black antiracism by the Windward Maroons of Jamaica as a case study with historical significance.…”

Critical Evaluation of a Program to Foster Reflexive Antiracism

“…It has been found that motivated antiracists, i.e., those who have an internal motivation to respond without prejudice (Plant & Devine, 1998), have a tendency to experience discomfort, distress, guilt, fear, anxiety, anger, inaction and withdrawal (Nile & Straton, 2003;O'Brien, 2009;Tatum, 1992). These emotions can be caused, in part, by a disconnection between an antiracist worldview and 'unconscious' racist feelings, thoughts and behaviours that reflect prevailing social norms (Sommers & Norton, 2006).…”