"white male backlash" to diversity training: Rhetorical criticism using fantasy theme analysis

This study investigates the diversity training industry that developed throughout the 1990's and continues to develop. Specifically, this analysis examines the resistance to diversity training that comes from the cultural group of white males. It seems that the way in which diversity training is communicated might cause part of this resistance. The present study seeks to determine why a "white male backlash" exists and what reasons are given to account for the resistance. Thus, a rhetorical criticism using fantasy theme analysis is used. The essays/articles that are examined are mainly from news publications and trade journals but also include white males and diversity trainers. In examining articles that address the subject of the "white male backlash" nine themes are discovered which suggests that some white men construct a rhetorical vision of victimization in reference to diversity training: "Negative Feelings," "Targeted," "Uninformed," "Merit," "Blamed," "Stereotyped," "Must Change," "Uncertain Future" and "Other."