ABSTRACT

In this chapter I aim to discuss the way in which notions of self and identity are formed in the adolescent community of Riverview, with particular reference to concepts of race. The principal aim is to show that, within predominantly white constituencies, racism and chauvinistic types of imperialist imagery are not reproduced crudely or mechanically. I attempt to outline the cultural context in which neighbourhood definitions are also at times of equal or even greater importance. The identities of these young people exhibit complex and multiple reference points. In this sense I try to show how meanings and identities are mediated within this particular context by a set of historical conditions and socio-political circumstances.