Desirablizing Whiteness: A Discursive Practice in Social Justice Leadership That Entrenches White Supremacy

Abstract

This article conceptualizes “Desirablizing Whiteness” as a discursive practice. Desirablizing Whiteness occurs when equity efforts aim to include racially minoritized students in actions, situations, formats, and settings where they have been absent or underrepresented, and which have been the “property” of Whites. The literature on discourse, discursive practices, and emotions serve to explain the nature of Desirablizing Whiteness as a complicated and contradictory construct. Tenets from critical race theory highlight the fundamentally racist effect of this discursive practice. Because Whiteness’ property value is both tangible and psychic, the presence and role of emotions are key to understanding how Desirablizing Whiteness has a dialectical relationship with human interactions and decision making, ultimately undermining social justice efforts. Practical recommendations for school leaders and scholars concerned with urban education close the article.