Deconstructing Beauty Politics and Racism: A Critical Intersectional Analysis of Whiteness and Internalized Oppression

Abstract

This research analysis of Toni Morrison's (1970) "The Bluest Eye" focuses on its depiction of beauty, Whiteness, and internalized racism. This research examines Morrison's narrative through the lenses of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Feminist Studies (FS) to interrogate societal standards of beauty and Whiteness, highlighting their significant effects on African American individuals. This research employs a qualitative methodology, incorporating close reading, textual analysis, and the Fairclough Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework to examine the novel's language, imagery, and narrative structure. Morrison's counter-narrative advocates for self-love, self-acceptance, and the appreciation of black beauty, contesting Eurocentric standards and providing a complex analysis of the power dynamics that influence personal experiences of beauty and identity. The research emphasizes the significance of diverse representation in literature, illustrating its function in fostering resistance and empowerment against internalized racism. The research employs theoretical frameworks such as Critical Race Theory, Feminist Studies, and Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis. It adopts a qualitative methodology highlighting its importance in literary analysis, social justice, and the abovementioned fields. The research highlights its contribution to existing knowledge and implications for diverse representation and inclusivity in literature.