Black Epistemology
Why knowledge production is not color blind
Knowledge production has often been seen as neutral. How can the mind have a race? Yet, the way we interpret, prioritize and validate information is largely shaped by our social conditions.
As part of the racialized, social construct which permeates much of western society, “White” is seen as neutral. In essence, if a writer or scholars is White, they are perceived as speaking from a universal position.
If the scholar or writer is Black, they should always “acknowledge their bias.” Toni Morrison was particularly helpful in shaping this argument. Frequently interviewers would ask if she could write about people who are socialized as “White.” She felt she was frequently asked to justify her use of Black characters in her work.
Yet, White writers could write about whoever they desired. The notion that her work should prioritize the “neutral” positionality of Whiteness was contested, in large part, because she did not understand Whiteness as being neutral.
Below, see the New Perspectives on the Black Intellectual Tradition video. Here, scholars are exploring their work as a contribution to historical Black intellectual contributions.
We hope you will enjoy and support their work.
The Misogynoir to Mishpat (M2M) Research Network © 2023