Remembrance, Responsibility, and Reparations: The Use of Emotions in Talk about the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot

This research aimed to examine the role of collective emotions in the process of political solidarity within the context of debate about reparations for the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot. Analysis of interview data (n = 12) illustrates the creative and flexible ways that White allies delegitimize authority inaction and legitimize majority support for action through strategic use of social categories and collective emotions in their talk about the riot and reparations. Results are interpreted to suggest that allies' efforts to change the hearts and minds of the majority focus on messages that appeal to, strengthen, and validate valued dimensions of majority social identity. These findings expand our understanding of the discursive aspects of political solidarity and the processes that affect social change on social issues related to minority group interests.