Abstracts
Abstract
This article is the result of a case study of Frequently Asked White Questions (FAWQ) by Ajay Parasram and Alex Khasnabish. We examine FAWQ as a tool for fostering meaningful conversations about race and anti‑racism. In order to facilitate social change through books and book talk, a book must be discoverable and visible. Further, for a book to have this kind of social impact, we argue that three things must be true: that the guiding ethos of the publisher is one of progressive politics; that the author(s)’ stories are authentic and accessible; and that communication about the book’s contents between the publishing agents, authors, and readers follows a politic of love. Situating this discussion within the current political environment, we highlight the urgency of such conversations. Drawing from Paulo Freire’s concept of dialogue as foundational to social transformation, we argue that by normalizing discomfort and centering relational engagement, the book offers a model for navigating difficult discussions in ways that resist ideological rigidity and promote sustained, everyday activism.
Keywords:
- Racism,
- critical race theory,
- critical pedagogy,
- case study
Résumé
Le présent article s’intéresse au cas de Frequently Asked White Questions (FAWQ) d’Ajay Parasram et Alex Khasnabish en tant qu’ouvrage pouvant faire émerger des conversations significatives à propos de la race et de l’antiracisme. Pour que les livres soient des catalyseurs de changement social, il faut nécessairement que la politique éditoriale soit progressiste; que les récits soient authentiques et accessibles; et que les échanges qu’entretiennent agences littéraires, autrices, auteurs et lectorat à propos du contenu de l’oeuvre soient marqués par une politique de l’amour. En nous appuyant sur le concept de dialogue de Paulo Freire comme fondement d’une transformation du monde, nous montrons que le livre, parce qu’il normalise l’inconfort et vise l’engagement relationnel, propose un modèle pour amorcer des discussions difficiles, modèle qui résiste à la rigidité idéologique, et soutient un activisme concret et durable. De telles discussions apparaissent d’autant plus nécessaires dans le contexte politique actuel.
Mots-clés :
- Racisme,
- théorie critique de la race,
- pédagogie critique,
- étude de cas
Appendices
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