The Racial Mascot Speaks: A critical race discourse analysis of Asian Americans and Fisher vs. University of Texas

Few studies have focused on the role of Asian Americans in influencing how race is understood in affirmative action debates. However, accounting for the complicating presence of Asian Americans in the racial politics of affirmative action has become increasingly important. Informed by racial formation theory, this critical discourse analysis of selected amicus briefs from the Fisher v. University of Texas Supreme Court cases illuminated how Asian Americans attempted to racialize themselves in efforts to influence the affirmative action debate. Findings highlight a deep ideological divide between Asian Americans engaged in an ongoing discursive struggle over their racialization and affirmative action.