6: White Racial Consciousness

This chapter describes elements that shape White racial consciousness. Awareness of consciousness development provides counselors with an understanding of reluctance and potential blind spots that may present as people become aware of themselves as racialized. The opening vignette highlights the performance of anti-racism without recognizing one's responsibility and part in supporting it. This chapter begins with an overview of Whiteness measures that identify important elements of White racial consciousness and reflect critical theoretical developments. Specifically, Ambivalent Racial Consciousness, Colorblind Racial Consciousness theory, and White Identity Management are presented.

In 2020, John Metta wrote an opinion piece for Al Jazeera titled “The Problem of Performative Activism.” In it, he observes that White people are suddenly speaking louder and more angrily about the same concerns that Black people have been voicing for years. He notes that race is complex and the belief that racism be simplified to essential dynamics of good and evil seems to be part of this “White wokeness.” This binary position allows one to confront and shame others with differing opinions while avoiding accountability for their own behavior.