Race Traitor

Race Traitor was a periodical journal that pushed boundaries in the discussion of race and politics within the United States. First issued in 1993, and co-edited by Noel Ignatiev and John Garvey, it advocated for the elimination of the white racial category as a social construct, challenging traditional notions of race and identity.

Ideology and Impact

Race Traitor's stated objective was "the abolition of whiteness". The editors proposed that whiteness was not based on skin color but was a social category established and maintained for the privilege of certain groups. The publication argued that 'treason' to this racial category was a positive act - hence the provocative name: Race Traitor.

The journal spawned a movement and kindled discussion around these themes, inspiring scholarly studies and leading to courses in colleges and universities across the United States. It coined influential concepts such as "white privilege" and "white skin privilege."

Content and Reception

Despite its academic leanings, Race Traitor was not a strictly scholarly journal, featuring a mixture of essays, articles, letters, reviews, and documentation. It claimed a new look at race, which carried political implications, leading it to occasionally draw controversy and significant critique.

Its unique perspective led to the Harvard Educational Review recognizing Race Traitor for 'Outstanding Contribution to Education', and the Utne Reader naming it 'one of 15 publications that could shake the world'.

Publication History

Published by Routledge, Race Traitor ceased putting out issues in 2005 but remained available online. Essays and select works from the journal were compiled into a book form titled 'Race Traitor' published in 1996, also edited by Ignatiev and Garvey.{{Categories}}