Brief Summary of Chapter 7

Everyday Racism

This chapter looks at the racism that is personal and individual. Understanding the racism role of racism in everyday interactions is first discussed in terms of stereotyping. While stereotypes are often expressed in clear and unambiguous ways, whites also use microaggressions where stereotypes of non-whites are implied. Anthony Gidden's theory of structuration is used to illustrate that as individuals we are not condemned to having racist attitudes. The chapter ends by discussing Pierre Bourdieu's theory of habitus. According to Bourdieu we have a mental structure that comes from our culture and personal experience. He argues that we should think of our social interactions in terms of strategies rather than in terms of following rules. This makes overcoming racism a strategic project rather than a project that attempts to change the rules about racism.