White Antiracism in
Southern Ontario
This study set out to uncover how whites respond to racism. Drawing on interviews and questionnaires of thirty-eight white persons, I explore the framework that shape participants’ understanding of antiracism. Three frames are discussed: the (a) equality and human rights frame (b) anti-oppression frame and (c) whiteness-centered frame.
​
The core of this study explores two categories of antiracism praxis: quotidian antiracism and organizational antiracism. In the former category are three types of strategies: (a) confrontation, (b) counterclaiming, and (c) covert and clandestine antiracism. The second category consists of equality and equity focused strategies in education that I distinguish based on setting: (a) classroom antiracism and (b) administrative antiracism. This portion of the study is enriched by an investigation of the enablers and obstacles of antiracism and what respondents consider when deciding to engage in bystander action.
In conversation with Frankenberg’s (1993) ‘race-cognizance’ concept, I then present a subsidiary antiracism awareness that I call self-implication cognizance. I detail five ways participants stop themselves from ‘racing to innocence’ by implicating themselves in the hegemonic order of whiteness.
​
This study offers insights for progressive whites and organizations interested in racial justice, equality and equity.
Subject keywords: antiracism, activism, whiteness, white racial identity, racial awareness, frames, enablers, obstacles, racism
​