Retrospective Memories of Racialized Experiences

Abstract

This thesis explores the relationship between individuals? memories of experiences with children from different racial backgrounds and their present racial identity. After generating data by collecting responses to an open ended survey about racial identity and memories of racialized experiences, the results are examined using theoretical concepts including the white racial frame, critical race theory, and ?colorblind? racism. The results indicate that racial identity and categorization is formed prior to interaction with children from different racial backgrounds. Additionally, the trope of "colorblindness" in respondent answers is analyzed, not as evidence of racial progress, but as an extension of white racism.