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Social Science Discrimination & Race Relations

I Have Been Waiting

Race and U.S. Higher Education

by (author) Jennifer S. Simpson

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
Sep 2003
Category
Discrimination & Race Relations, Philosophy & Social Aspects, Higher
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780802085696
    Publish Date
    Sep 2003
    List Price
    $43.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780802087799
    Publish Date
    Oct 2003
    List Price
    $68.00
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442675940
    Publish Date
    Sep 2003
    List Price
    $66.00

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

While much progress has been made towards the quest for racial equality in the education system, there is still much work to be done. In 'I Have Been Waiting', Jennifer Simpson pays explicit attention to the ways in which systems of higher education have excluded people of colour, and how white students and teachers might better address issues of race and racism in educational settings.

Simpson's argument is wide-ranging and incisive. She examines the role of history and the link between racial agency and racial memories; she probes epistemology, claims to authority, and the limits of a knowledge base that draws primarily on what white people know; she analyzes cross-racial dialogues – including barriers and steps to implementation – to reveal the prevalence of assimilationist approaches; and she reiterates the importance of making whiteness visible.

Methodologically, Simpson draws heavily on autoethnography and social analysis, but also provides an excellent historical overview of the issues central to race and higher education, as well a rigorous examination of theoretical discourse from fields including pedagogy, whiteness studies, and feminist thought. 'I Have Been Waiting' is an important work, confirming that sustained attention to issues of race in higher education is both difficult and necessary. Suitable for course use, each chapter addresses a particular challenge in the area of race and education, and offers practical guidelines for those interested in anti-racist change. An appendix provides discussion, questions, exercise, and assignments.

About the author

Jennifer S. Simpson is an associate professor and Chair of the Department of Drama and Speech Communication at the University of Waterloo.

Jennifer S. Simpson's profile page

Awards

  • Outstanding Book Award