Do you think that you have a race (racial identity)? If so, how would you describe it?
How did you and your family (or closest friends/relations) talk about visible differences growing up? (An example might be different skin colour, eye shape, mental or physical ability)
(a) Do you hold the same perspectives today?
(b) Tell me about a time that you realized you were white.
What does it mean to be white to you?
Most White individuals do not ascribe to a collective white identity. Why do you think this is? Are there any white cultural values or beliefs that you can think of?
How would you describe white skin privilege? Can you tell me about a time you experienced white skin privilege?
Is there anyone you talk to about race/racism, white identity, or racial privilege? Please explain.
What are your thoughts on 'political correctness' today? On the 'movements' of liberalism or conservatism in Canada, today?
What are your thoughts on individuals' ability to speak to others about difficult political or emotional topics?
(a) Have you ever felt like you couldn’t express your perspective, or be authentic, with regard to race, skin colour or racism? Please explain.
Are there any places in Edmonton [or surrounding area, or your city] which you do not go because you feel out-of-place (i.e uncomfortable or unsafe) because of your racial identity or skin colour?
a. Some scholars (e.g. Setha Low) have described spatial segregation practices of White people with the goal of moving to spaces that are populated by mostly (other) White folks. For example, through gated communities, moving neighbourhoods (white flight), or perceptions about 'right to land and/or ownership of property'. Do you see evidence of that in Edmonton? In your own life?
Would you describe your close friends as racially mixed? Why do you think this is the case? Tell me about a time when the mixed racial identity of the group became important.
What qualifies as racism? i.e. how would you define it? Do you agree with the statement asserting that “racism is less prevalent now than it was in the past”?
How, if at all, is Canadian racism different from racism in the United States? In Alberta versus the rest of Canada? Is this different from US vs. Canadian whiteness?
Would you describe Canadian identity as a 'white' identity? If so, why? If not, why not?
a. In your opinion, is there a relationship between whiteness and settler identity here in Canada? In Alberta?
Research shows that Black, Indigenous, and Edmontonians/Albertans of Colour cannot access good (lucrative, safe, 'in their field') jobs at the same rate as white peers because of systemic racism & discrimination. When BIPOC are hired, research shows that they are not promoted at the same rate (speed and degree) as their white peers. What do you think?
a. From our research so far, I've learned that folks believe the oil and gas industry, and agriculture in Alberta, are largely "white industries". Do you have any thoughts on this?
Was there ever a time when “times/things were better” here in Alberta/Edmonton? Please explain. What do you think the future of Alberta/ Edmonton looks like? Please explain.
Did we miss (asking you) anything (about these topics) in this interview?
General questions about self-identifying demographic information.
Have you ever participated in anti-racism work in Edmonton? (Please tell me about it. This work could be based community building or resistance, whether volunteering, protesting, or as an intern or paid employee)
(a) As a white person, why do you do this?
(b) Do you feel like you have a community with the anti-racism work? Can you describe it?
(c) How much does whiteness (identity, privilege or ideology/structural framework) feature in this work?
(d) In your work, how do you define/explain race and racism?
How do you explain racialized inequality in Edmonton? Canada? In your opinion, are there certain individuals or groups that are more (or less) excluded?
Give an example of when you responded to someone or something that was/is racist.
What are your thoughts on the efficacy of equity and diversity initiatives (in the workplace, in school, in society - in what context)? On political correctness today?
Do you have any feedback on the research questions or design? Email the principal investigator at: longj34@macewan.ca