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Racialization in Public and Private: Memories of First Racial Experiences

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Abstract

Research suggests retention of childhood memories into adulthood requires such memories to hold a certain amount of importance. Therefore, initial racial memories likely play a role in one’s racialization process, or formulation of an understanding of race. This study uses data from 49 in-depth interviews with white undergraduate students on memories of their first experiences of race. Data generally fell into the categories of private and public racialization. Private racialization included accounts of events that took place at home, primarily consisting of racist joking, derogatory comments, and family storytelling. Public racialization consisted of events that took place outside the home, most commonly at school. Data also revealed interactions between private and public realms, where accommodations were made in private to control, minimize or restrict interracial contact in public.

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Correspondence to Shannon K. Carter.

Appendix A: Interview Guide

Appendix A: Interview Guide

Question 1

Looking back on your whole life, what stands out as the first thing you learned about people of another race?

(Suggested Probes: When did this happen? How old were you? Who taught this to you? How did you feel toward this person at the time? How do you feel now? Can you remember any other events that taught you the same thing later on?)

Question 2

Everyone has had the experience of being in situations where they had to make a decision but weren’t sure what was the right thing to do. Please describe a situation where you weren’t sure what was the right thing concerning someone of another race. Please give details.

(What was the situation? What was the conflict for you in the situation? In thinking about what to do, what did you consider? Why? Were there other things that you thought of in trying to decide what to do? Looking back on it now, did you make the best choice? Why or why not? Thinking back over the whole thing, what did you learn from it?)

Question 3

What do you think of the idea proposed by some that people of different races should be equal but remain separate? Please explain.

Question 4

Is there anything we have not asked that you would like to add? Do you have any additional comments?

What is your age?

In which state did you go to high school?

What would you say is your social class?

What do you call your religious denomination?

How would you describe your ethnic origin?

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Carter, S.K., Picca, L.H. & Murray, B.N. Racialization in Public and Private: Memories of First Racial Experiences. Race Soc Probl 4, 133–143 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12552-012-9075-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12552-012-9075-5

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