The Struggle of Being Black: Covert Racism in "Real Life" by Brandon Taylor (2020)
), Muhammad Al Hafizh(2), (1) Universitas Negeri Padang
Indonesia
(2) Universitas Negeri Padang
Indonesia
Corresponding Author
Copyright (c) 2025 Ihsanul Eka Vitra
DOI : https://doi.org/10.24036/ell.v14i3.134842
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Language : en
Abstract
This article discusses the novel Real Life (2020) by Brandon Taylor. It explores the forms and impacts of covert racism experienced by Wallace, an African-American graduate student, within a predominantly white academic environment. Using Critical Race Theory (CRT) by Delgado & Stefancic as the main theoretical framework, supported by the concept of Everyday Racism, this study applies a descriptive qualitative method to examine Wallace’s experiences through selected dialogues, scenes, and narrative descriptions in the novel. The findings reveal three main forms of covert racism: verbal racism, social racism, and institutional racism. These include microaggressions, social exclusion, and systemic discrimination in academic settings. The impacts of these experiences are categorized into psychological, social, and academic effects, which manifest in Wallace’s emotional distress, social isolation, and reduced academic motivation. The study concludes that covert racism remains a persistent and damaging force in educational institutions, often disguised in subtle yet systemic practices that reinforce racial inequality.
Keywords: Covert Racism, Critical Race Theory, Everyday Racism Theory.
References
Bourabain, D., & Verhaeghe, P.-P. (2021). Everyday racism in social science research: A systematic review and future directions. Du Bois Review: Social Science Research on Race, 18(2), 221–250. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742058X21000102
Delgado, R., & Stefancic, J. (2017). Critical race theory: An introduction (3rd ed.). New York University Press. https://nyupress.org/9781479802760/critical-race-theory
Kalee, L. (2018). Systemic racism and inequality in higher education: A critical analysis. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, 11(3), 200–214
Mahzarin, R., Banaji, M., & Greenwald, A. (2021). Everyday racism and hidden biases in academic institutions. Race and Education Studies, 16(1), 15–29.
McDole, C. (2021). Covert racism in academic institutions: A critical examination. Education and Society, 110(4), 98–115.
Taylor, B. (2020). Real life. Riverhead Books. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/608896/real-life-by-brandon-taylor
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