Personal views of racism in white families: a qualitative study

Abstract

This exploratory phenomenological study examined how adult children developed an accepting stance toward racial diversity that differs from the racism present in their families of origin. Three women were interviewed. Data analysis explored how these individuals were influenced by their parents and how they were able to break away from the racist norms set by their parents. Themes found included: mothers’ silence, fathers’ dominant racist views, spirituality, discrepancy between religious teachings and parents’ racist views, education, observing other races, shame, and personal turning points.