Abstract

This Major Research Paper (MRP) is a qualitative research study which features the narratives of two afro-Canadian women. My aim was to explore the unique experiences of racism and sexism experienced by mixedrace individuals. The research question asks: how do multiracial black women experience, understand, and resist anti-black racism and sexism? Critical Race Feminism (CRF) is the theoretical framework used to analyse participant narratives. This study uses phenomenology as a research method; data is collected through two semi-structured interviews. Five primary themes arose during the interviews: including a) racial identity; b) racism and microaggressions; c) sexism and patriarchal culture; d) internalized racism; and e) self-preservation and resilience. The findings revealed that racial identity development is a subjective, discursive, and complex process that is influenced by community and culture and racialization. Participants’ narratives revealed that experiences with racism frequently take form in subtle yet impactful microaggressions. Sexist microaggressions and patriarchal workplace culture were identified as sources of gender-based marginalization promoting invisibility. Findings revealed that internalized racism is a psychological consequence of subconsciously indoctrinating racist discourse. Self-reflection, dialogue, and community building were revealed to be useful methods for multiracial black women’s self-preservation and remaining resilient in a patriarchal white supremacist settler society.

Highlights

  • This study explores the realities of racism and sexism in the lives of multiracial black Canadian women

  • Five primary themes arose from the interviews: 1) racial identity; 2) racism and microaggressions; 3) sexism; 4) internalized racism; and 5) self-preservation

  • The findings revealed that racial identity development is a complex and subjective phenomenon that is formed discursively through inclusion and exclusion from groups and is influenced by processes of racialization, othering, community and culture

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Summary

Introduction

Chapter 2: Literature Review Chapter 3: Theoretical Framework Chapter 4. The step was to unlearn those ideas in order to reimage more empowering and liberatory possibilities This decolonization work lead me to develop a critical inquiry into the phenomena that contributed to sustaining internalized oppression. It fuelled my interest in how other racialized women, who are socially and ethnically positioned similar to myself, create and sustain selfempowerment and self-love. From this inquiry, my research questions became: how do multiracial black Canadian women experience and understand their experiences with racism and sexism?

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