Colorblind ideology, mass incarceration, and controlling racial images: An intersectional analysis of presidential rhetoric from 1969–1996

ABSTRACT

Ample research exists on the relationship between mainstream constructions of racialized images and perceptions of criminals. Fewer studies, however, have assessed the influence of political rhetoric in the construction and the mobilization of images of criminals as the “racial other.” This study employs a qualitative content analysis guided by an intersectionality framework to answer the questions: to what extent Presidential rhetoric influenced images of criminals; and how was colorblind language used to facilitate this process? The examination of Presidential speeches related to crime policies, given from 1969 to 1996, revealed that criminal activity was primarily articulated as being committed by “young Black impoverished males.” Through the use of colorblind strategies, race, while not explicitly referenced, was the most salient dimension of the imagery of criminals depicted in Presidential rhetoric.

KEYWORDS:

• Colorblind ideology
• controlling images
• intersectionality
• mass incarceration

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Adele N. Norris

Adele N. Norris is a lecturer and researcher in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. She lectures in the areas of Women's and Gender Studies, Social Policy, and Sociology. Her research focuses on issues of mass incarceration and criminality, employing black feminist frameworks.

Joseph Billings

Joseph Billings received a BA in sociology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He has pursued a research agenda in understanding the nature of social inequalities in the areas of mass incarceration and health disparities.