“Heritage, Not Hate”: The Mississippi State Flag as a Conduit of Colorblind Racism

Bailey, Jenna (2017) “Heritage, Not Hate”: The Mississippi State Flag as a Conduit of Colorblind Racism. Undergraduate thesis, under the direction of James M. Thomas from Sociology and Anthropology, The University of Mississippi.

Preview

Text JennaBailey-HonorsThesis.pdf Download (497kB) | Preview

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the ways in which students at the University of Mississippi employ colorblind racism in their justifications for keeping Mississippi state flag. Arguments have been made that the state flag is about history and heritage, not hate. It is this history that has led to two different meanings being associated with the flag: one about heritage and one about hate. Through an online, self-administered survey, the goal is to assess students’ levels of colorblind racism and observe the arguments used in an open-ended question about their attitudes on the flag. This qualitative data suggests that not only are students deploying colorblind racism in their arguments, but they are using common themes and frameworks seen throughout studies of colorblind racism within their support for the state flag. This study has concluded that in order to create a more inclusive environment on campus, students in support of the flag need to understand and recognize the role they play in diminishing and minimizing the feelings and opinions of those who disagree with them on the issue.

Actions (login required)

View Item