Through the Looking-Glass: Conceptualizing Narratives of Race as Mimetic Non-Narratives

Authors

Cody Chun, University of Puget SoundFollow

Abstract

I frame a discussion of narrative based on its position between mimetic and diegetic poles. I argue that narratives of race are mimetic non-narratives in the sense that they attempt to narrate (false) realities of race and racial difference without acknowledging their narrativity. I examine various narratives of race and the ways in which they perpetuate ideas of race and racial difference. I end by looking at the relationship between narrative and reality and by suggesting that, given their ability to narrate meaningful realities, mimetic non-narratives can narrate a “reality” more reflective of the unreality of race and racial inequality.

Recommended Citation

Chun, Cody (2016) "Through the Looking-Glass: Conceptualizing Narratives of Race as Mimetic Non-Narratives," Race and Pedagogy Journal: Teaching and Learning for Justice: Vol. 1: No. 2, Article 1.
Available at: https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/rpj/vol1/iss2/1