Missed Morals: Discourse Conventions as a Site of Unconscious Racism

Abstract

In this paper I look at discourse conventions as both a source and reinforcer of negative stereotypes. I am using the term ‘discourse conventions’ to refer to the socially constructed and unconscious rules and expectations for proper conduct in spoken interactions. These conventions vary both between and within different social groups and, as such, serve to index an individual’s identity. I show how the misinterpretation of unfamiliar discourse conventions can lead to erroneous judgements of others’ personalities. I then examine racialized discourse conventions in professional settings where jobs and reputations are on the line. I conclude with a call for the reader to not change their own discourse conventions but to have an awareness for the ways in which discourse conventions express particular experiences in the world.