Tradition and the invention of racial selves: symbolic boundaries, collective authenticity, and contemporary struggles for racial equality1

Abstract

This paper raises two important questions for understanding the influence of authenticity in the construction of racial identities: what motivates racial authenticity work? and how do racial groups do authenticity work? Relying on in-depth interviews we argue that Mexican Americans and Potawatomi Indians challenge contemporary institutional racism through elaborating symbolic boundaries and articulating moral discourses. By emphasizing authentic traditions – conceived of as values, roots, and cultural toolkits – these historically and currently subordinated racial groups distinguish themselves from the American mainstream. The moral and racial discourse of tradition and authenticity affords these racial minorities opportunities to re-evaluate their groups’ statuses and re-invest their communities with esteem.