Complexities of standpoint in researching 'whiteness' Manuel Madriaga Sheffield Hallam University 14 June 2006

What is Standpoint? ‘…epistemological stance… that the oppressed can see with greater clarity not only their own position but also that of the oppressor/privileged, and indeed the shape of social systems as a whole’ (Frankenberg, 1993: 8). ‘…epistemological stance… that the oppressed can see with greater clarity not only their own position but also that of the oppressor/privileged, and indeed the shape of social systems as a whole’ (Frankenberg, 1993: 8).

A challenge to standpoint ‘Having things “in common” is not necessarily the prerequisite for insightful dialogue on the social construction of whiteness’ (Back, 2002:48). ‘Having things “in common” is not necessarily the prerequisite for insightful dialogue on the social construction of whiteness’ (Back, 2002:48).

A challenge to standpoint Back (2002:52) in interview with key figure of BNP, ‘Critical insight was produced where common ground was established and equally in moments when our respective worldviews came into direct confrontation’ Back (2002:52) in interview with key figure of BNP, ‘Critical insight was produced where common ground was established and equally in moments when our respective worldviews came into direct confrontation’

Methods Life-history interviews with US Military Veterans in central California Life-history interviews with US Military Veterans in central California Latinos, black and white respondents Latinos, black and white respondents Indirect approach to examining ‘whiteness’ in notions of American-ness Indirect approach to examining ‘whiteness’ in notions of American-ness Examined symbols and ideas: American Flag, American Dream, and Melting Pot Examined symbols and ideas: American Flag, American Dream, and Melting Pot

The ‘Flag’ findings White responses expressed ‘official’ interpretations White responses expressed ‘official’ interpretations Black respondents highlighted issues of racism in expressing their love for the Flag Black respondents highlighted issues of racism in expressing their love for the Flag Latino respondents, although more varied responses, downplayed their Latino-ness Latino respondents, although more varied responses, downplayed their Latino-ness

The Melting Pot Idea The Melting Pot is unlike the race-neutral symbol of the Flag. The Melting Pot is unlike the race-neutral symbol of the Flag. Melting Pot Idea = Assimilation? Anglo- conformity? A myth? Melting Pot Idea = Assimilation? Anglo- conformity? A myth?

The Melting Pot Idea Official cultural expression Official cultural expression

The melting pot idea ‘I think we are more of a melting pot country than England. Our diversity is what makes us unique in all the world. There is nothing like America, bar none!’ (black respondent, CT)

The Melting Pot Idea Vernacular cultural expressions Vernacular cultural expressions ‘buffet’ ‘buffet’ ‘Anglo-conformity’ ‘Anglo-conformity’ ‘myth… it does not exist’ ‘myth… it does not exist’

Back to methods Standpoint is very empowering in uncovering the taken-for-granted nature of ‘whiteness’ in American identity. However, during my field study, I did not feel empowered. I felt restrained. Standpoint is very empowering in uncovering the taken-for-granted nature of ‘whiteness’ in American identity. However, during my field study, I did not feel empowered. I felt restrained.

Findings ‘When we went to school, history was a very important part of our curriculum. But, now, they don’t feature the European history and that’s where most of our people come. The schools try to feature the whole world. But, there are few minorities here’ (white Veteran, FS)

Findings ‘We have always helped the world. And, people now move into this country and the first thing they do is put their hand out. [Imitating a Latino accent] I am the poor, lonely immigrant. I don’t know nothing. I don’t know English. I don’t want to work.’ (white respondent, PB)

Findings ‘This Black kid comes into our room, the only black kid in the room, everybody’s head turn, what’s the big deal? We turn out to be the best friends in the world’ (white respondent, BB).

Findings ‘A lot of times a person from a different [background] can relate to you more’ (Latino respondent, GG). ‘A lot of times a person from a different [background] can relate to you more’ (Latino respondent, GG).

Concluding remarks I realized the extent of taking on a oppressive position – in being American (situational) I realized the extent of taking on a oppressive position – in being American (situational) Also confirmed the notion that having things ‘in common’ is not necessary for research on issues of ‘race’. Also confirmed the notion that having things ‘in common’ is not necessary for research on issues of ‘race’.

Concluding remarks Standpoint is key in understanding differences, however it should not be at the expense of ignoring similarities. Standpoint is key in understanding differences, however it should not be at the expense of ignoring similarities.