Resisting Privilege: Effects of a White Privilege Message Intervention and Conservative Media Use on Freedom Threat and Racial Attitudes

ABSTRACT

Identifying ways to effectively communicate about racial/ethnic disparities is a place where communication scholars can make vital contributions. Yet, existing studies on this subject are scarce. Borrowing from reactance theory and the 3D model of White identity management, the present study tested whether exposing White adults to White privilege messaging helps them to become more aware or deny racial privilege. The results of our experiment revealed that there was a main effect for reading about racial privilege and increased awareness of privilege. However, in keeping with reactance theory, if the message stoked a perceived threat to freedom, message exposure resulted in the denial of both blatant and institutional racism. We also found a moderating role for Fox News viewing such that awareness of racial privilege was not affected by the intervention for heavy Fox News viewers, but it was for low Fox News viewers. We conclude that messages focused on explaining White privilege are promising, but there are risks.

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Notes on contributors

Matthew A. Lapierre

Matthew A. Lapierre (Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania) is an associate professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Arizona. His primary research focuses on how children are influenced by persuasive communication with a particular interest in the role development plays in shaping children’s responses to these messages.

Jennifer Stevens Aubrey

Jennifer Stevens Aubrey (Ph.D., University of Michigan) is a professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Arizona. Her research focuses on media effects on emotional, mental, and physical health in young people. Topically, her research tends to center on issues related to sexuality and body image.