Paper short abstract:

This paper compares pre and post Internet discussions of racially-charged rumors and legends. While access to the perspective of other folk groups is possible in cyberspace, the perceived anonymity inherent in Internet exchanges allows for volatile and counterproductive discussions to occur.

Paper long abstract:

It is often taken as an article of faith that tensions between blacks and whites in the U.S. diminish in conjunction with significant milestones that mark African-American progress in society at large. When blacks are rewarded in spheres that require white support---the earning of an Academy Award, the promotion to the highest military ranks, the election to the presidency--- the prevailing theory is that racism and ethnic tensions are subsiding. African-Americans often caution that the successes of select individuals should not be used as evidence that racial harmony permeates the U.S..

By examining the rumors and contemporary legends that whites share about blacks and vice-versa, we can shed light on this presumption of harmony. This paper compares pre and post Internet discussions of racially-charged rumors and legends. On-line commentary containing embedded rumors and contemporary legends regarding Hurricane Katrina and the presidential campaign and election of Barack Obama will be juxtaposed against verbal and written legends and rumors about pre Internet era African-American politicians and racial incidents. Focus will be on the ways in which pre and post Internet narrators identify themselves and their positions with established anti-white or anti-black ideologies. The paper will grapple with the extensive evidence of deep-seated and profound racial distrust evident in on-line articulations of rumors and contemporary legends. Given that these 21st century on-line commentaries reflect more racial disdain than late 20th century commentary, is the appropriate conclusion one that argues that racial tension is increasing rather than decreasing?