Under the White Gaze: Solving the Problem of Race and Representation in Canadian Journalism

by Christopher Cheung

Canada’s multiculturalism stops where most newsrooms begin. Despite recent efforts to increase diversity in the news, people of colour are often presented as clichés – from freeloading immigrants to keepers of exotic cultures – rather than individuals with complex stories.

Instead of treating diversity like a missing ingredient – simply add one racialized reporter and the problem is solved – journalist Christopher Cheung wants newsrooms to change how they cover stories.

In this candid investigation into the state of race in Canadian media today, Cheung challenges the way we think about the news we read, watch, and listen to. Real stories from recent years are examined for successes or how they fall short on representation. Cheung shows us why reporting on race is necessary, how the language is evolving, and why intersectionality is crucial to combatting stereotypes.

Under the White Gaze is essential reading for aspiring and seasoned journalists, media consumers, and anyone wondering why race and representation are so often missing from our headlines.

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2024

Reviews

[Isabella 淑娇 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly researched and very insightful resource for both producers and consumers of journalism. It was refreshing to see Chris draw upon the work of several geography scholars to demonstrate how one’s own sense of place (what is “normal” and what is “other”) can inform reporting on members of racialized communities. Also lots of great local examples from Vancouver and Toronto that helped contextualize the gaps and malpractices that exist in reporting on race.

My main takeaways: consider who you are writing for — white “ethnic tourists” looking for a thrill or local residents whose everyday practices are a centuries-old norm; and whether systemic issues are blamed on individual communities or broader policy failures.

[Clover · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5
Thought-provoking and interesting.

This was an incredibly interesting read. I would love to see this book covered in high school! Christopher Cheung offers such simple advice, but it really makes you think.

This book will be at the forefront of my mind while I read, watch, or listen to the news. A perfect book that asks us all to expand our critical thinking to include diversity and question the white gaze.

My library has this book and I'm so glad I got it. I recommend it wholeheartedly and I'll happily buy a copy for myself and as gifts for friends. It's wonderful. I loved it.

[Maryam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work, and if you work in Canadian media you should read it.

[Cherlene Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book club non-fiction I've finished reading!! Applause. I genuinely appreciated the multidimensional lens and Vancouver/Toronto Asian-related references that were scattered throughout this book. Lots of things for me to consider to be a more critical thinker when consuming the news like thinking about the underlying policies that affect people's behaviours. Recommend!

[🪐 · Rating 4 out of 5]

very important guide for anyone who considers themselves journalists in canada. examples are prolific, scholars and definitions are accurate, and arguments are fantastic! thank you to cheung for not making me feel crazy when saying that reporting on race is a facet of race and doesn’t “add to the problem of racism” or whatever dismissive comments you’ll find at the end of a cbc article. also newsrooms - pls don’t ignore the diversity in newsrooms survey, thx

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Cheung's insights and reporting on how to be more equitable in reporting on race. I learned a lot from this book and have been recommending it to all my journalism colleagues. If you're interested in how to check your ethnic and cultural biases when reporting or reading news, this is a great book for you!