Avoiding innocence: unsettling white guilt. Issue 2 (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zanussi, Darren
• Is Part Of: British journal of Canadian studies. Volume 31:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 209
• Page End: 226
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: settler colonialism -- guilt -- decolonisation -- Canadian nationalism -- anti-Indigenous racism -- settler uncertainty; Canada -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 971.007
• DOI: 10.3828/bjcs.2018.15
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9222

Abstract

Abstract : In this anecdotal article, I employ Eva Mackey's concept of settler uncertainty to analyse my place in settler colonialism. I grew up in the quintessential Canadian setting of Parry Sound, Ontario – a town steeped in anti-Indigenous racism as much as nationalistic imagery. However, majoring in Canadian studies at Carleton University forced me to grapple with the colonial and racist nature of my upbringing. This self-reflexive piece critically examines my motivations for entering academia through formative stories from my childhood and reflections on my scholarly pursuits, exploring the influence of guilt on my so-called transformation. This article was originally written during my political science undergraduate degree at York University. Rather than updating it I have added another level of reflection critically analysing the previous work. I outline my previous adherence to colonial structures, my internal struggle to leave them behind, and ongoing reflections concerning settler decolonisation within the academy.