Appendix B
Second Participant Interview
Questions on Identity
Reflections on Race:
1. What types of names, either positive or negative, can you remember people (of all races) calling you? What sorts of things do they say?
2. In your experiences, in what way has school influenced your racial identity choice(s)? Will you share some of these with me now?
3. Who or what has been the biggest contributor(s) to your racial identity?
4. Explain any changes you’ve experienced in how you understand your racial identity.
5. Do you think you act differently around people depending on their race? Why? When?
6. Do you feel being mixed race is an advantage, a disadvantage, or neither? Explain.
7. Tell me about a time at school in which you were aware of your mixed-race identity.
Probe(s):
7a. Can you tell me a time when you were with someone (perhaps a friend, classmate, or teacher) and you told this person about your racial background? What did you say?
7b. Please give me an example of how you have expressed your mixed-race identity.
8. Tell me about a time in school in which you changed your racial identity choice to feel accepted or comfortable among peers or teachers.
Probe(s):
8a. What does “passing” mean for you? For mixed-race students?
8b. Can you tell me a time when you changed your racial identity choice to avoid being labeled as a unintelligent, unattractive, or a troublemaker in school?
8c. Does skin color play a significant role in switching your racial identity?
8d. Have you ever tried to change your physical appearance (e.g., going to a tanning salon, using skin lighteners, trying different hair products)? For what purposes?
9. Describe the racial climate at your school.
Probe(s):
9a. In your school experiences, have there been times when you where very conscious of your race? Will you share some of these with me now?
9b. Can you tell me a time when you knew someone was being racist against another person because of their racial identity?
9c. Please give me an example of how students, teachers, the principal, or other staff may have contributed to racism.
10. Is there anything that your school provides that you feel strengthens your racial identity? Is there anything else you wish was provided that was not?
Probe(s):
10a. Do you feel that your classroom resources reflect a positive image of being mixed race?