Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 2022

Defining the racial and ethnic “other”: Constructing an American identity through visualizing census data in the U.S. Statistical Atlases

Li Li Elon University

Abstract

This study analyzes the visualization of census data in the U.S. Statistical Atlases from 1874 to 1925. I examine how visual strategies were used to construct an American identity by contrasting the “native” population with the “other”—new immigrants and African Americans, which were visualized as undesirable counterparts. By defining the “other,” the Atlases created a pan ethnic identity of the “native white” population, established a racial hierarchy, and hardened the division between old and new immigrants. The study develops a rhetorical framework for understanding how data design is used to marginalize racially and ethnically minority groups.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2022-10-01
DOI
10.1177/00472816221086523
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Topics
rhetorical criticism race and writing
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

  1. Swarts (2025)
    The Construction of Data Usability
    Technical Communication Quarterly

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