Race, text, and the politics of official knowledge: a critical investigation of a social science textbook in Ontario

This paper deals with the discourses related to race and anti-racism in a social sciences textbook for grade 12 Ontario students that was published in 2002. It is argued that the complexities of race and anti-racism are not dealt with systematically and cohesively. The textbook does not adequately address the topics of race and racism within the present Canadian social structure, leaving the discussion of complex and controversial ideas concerning race and racism virtually unexplored. In addition, the opportunity to make use of current scholarly work has been ignored or distorted. This is particularly important in light of recent developments regarding the impact of September 11, and the ensuing ‘war on terror’ and the changing dynamic of race relations in North America.