Communication, Culture and Critique
Volume 8, Issue 4, 2015, Pages 540-556

The Politics of Racism: Constructions of African Immigrants in China on ChinaSMACK (Article)

Pfafman T.M.* , Carpenter C.J. , Tang Y.
  • a Department of Communication Studies, Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL 61462, United States
  • b Department of Communication, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455, United States
  • c Department of English and Journalism, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455, United States

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the politics of Chinese netizens' racism toward Africans on the website, ChinaSMACK. Critical and grounded theory analysis reveals that racism on ChinaSMACK (a) is triggered by perceived threats to identity, economic stability, and State fidelity; (b) exists in a paradoxical relationship with globalization; and (c) perpetuates sexist attitudes toward women. We conclude that racism functions politically to disguise criticism of the government, scapegoat Africans for social problems, and obscure netizens' role in perpetuating social inequality. © 2015 International Communication Association

Author Keywords

China African Netizens Political Resistance Social Organizing Power Racism

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85010461605&doi=10.1111%2fcccr.12098&partnerID=40&md5=cc98c2ac791185da62f647909c231db6
DOI: 10.1111/cccr.12098
ISSN: 17539129
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English