Theorizing Communication Orientations of Privilege: How White Discourses (De) Construct Australian Aboriginals

Abstract

We conducted a discourse analysis of Australians' conversations about race, exploring communication that (re)produces and decenters whiteness. We identified 23 communication practices, organized into four orientations (unity, separation, monologue, and dialogue), describing how those with power talk about those without power and (fail to) balance tensions between similarity and difference. Orientations of unity, monologue, and separation serve antidialogic functions by obstructing transformative thinking, de-legitimizing Aboriginal experiences, and reifying whiteness. Findings suggest it is possible, but rare, for individuals to engage in intercultural dialogue about race. Understanding communication orientations of privilege is a step towards facilitating talk that disrupts whiteness.

Keywords:

• Whiteness
• Dialogue
• Communication Orientations of Privilege
• Australian Aboriginals
• Discourse Analysis

The authors would like to thank Laura Black, John Gastil, Lyn Carson, all those involved in organizing and participating in the Australian Citizens' Parliament, and the anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments on this essay.

The authors would like to thank Laura Black, John Gastil, Lyn Carson, all those involved in organizing and participating in the Australian Citizens' Parliament, and the anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments on this essay.