Who Can Speak and Who Is Heard/Hurt? - Facing Problems of Race, Racism, and Ethnic Diversity in the Humanities in Germany

Ethnic diversity, race, and racism have been discussed in German universities' American Studies departments, with white scholars dominating the research. This volume offers (self-)reflective approaches by scholars from different fields to provide a solid basis for discussing racialized power relations in the German Humanities and society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

Ethnic diversity, race, and racism have been central topics of discussion in American Studies departments at German universities for an extended period. Over the past few decades, there has been a notable increase in scholarly interest in the experiences of ethnic minorities and new immigrants. These research inquiries primarily focus on the United States and other historically multicultural societies that have emerged as a result of complex historical processes influenced by settler colonialism, slavery, and/or large-scale immigration. Interestingly, a significant majority of these studies have been conducted by white scholars born in Germany and holding German citizenship. Scholars with firsthand experiences of racial discrimination have remained largely unheard in this academic discourse.

This volume aims to challenge and expand the existing frameworks within German American Studies by offering (self-)reflective approaches from scholars across various fields within the German Humanities. By doing so, it seeks to establish a robust foundation for engaging in comprehensive and honest discussions about the mechanisms underlying and the consequences of racialized power relations in the German Humanities and German society as a whole.

The book begins by critically examining the practices and methodologies employed by the German branch of American Studies. It raises concerns about the lack of representation and inclusion of scholars with actual experiences of racial discrimination, as well as the perpetuation of Eurocentric narratives and biases in the field. The authors argue that a more inclusive and diverse approach is necessary to fully understand the complexities of race and ethnicity in German society.

In the subsequent chapters, the volume showcases a range of (self-)reflective approaches by scholars from different disciplines within the German Humanities. These scholars engage with the topic of race and ethnicity from various perspectives, including history, literature, cultural studies, sociology, and political science. They explore the historical roots, social constructions, and contemporary manifestations of race and ethnicity in Germany, as well as their intersections with other forms of discrimination and social inequalities.

One of the key themes that emerge from the contributions is the need for a more intersectional approach to studying race and ethnicity. The authors argue that race and ethnicity cannot be understood in isolation from other forms of identity, such as gender, class, sexuality, and nationality. They highlight the importance of recognizing the multiplicity of experiences and perspectives within different ethnic and racial groups and the need to address the systemic inequalities that perpetuate marginalization and discrimination.

Another important aspect of the volume is its emphasis on the role of power and privilege in shaping racialized power relations. The authors explore how dominant groups and institutions perpetuate racial hierarch. They examine the historical and contemporary legacies of colonialism, slavery, and other forms of oppression, as well as the ways in which these legacies continue to shape social, economic, and political structures in Germany. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities for marginalized and oppressed groups to challenge and transform these power relations.

The volume also raises important questions about the role of education and media in perpetuating racialized power relations. The authors argue that education systems and media narratives often reproduce stereotypes and biases, which contribute to the marginalization and discrimination of ethnic minorities and new immigrants. They suggest that educators.

In conclusion, this volume offers a valuable contribution to the field of German American Studies by challenging existing frameworks and promoting a more inclusive and diverse approach to studying race and ethnicity. It highlights the need for a more intersectional understanding of these issues, the role of power and privilege in shaping racialized power relations, and the challenges and opportunities for marginalized and oppressed groups to challenge and transform these power relations. The contributions by scholars from various fields within the German Humanities provide a rich and nuanced perspective on the topic.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 226 x 147 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837641035