Graphic Design for Racial Justice: How to Advocate for Racial Justice Within the Creative Process?

Abstract

In the realm of graphic design, the imperative for social justice has often been sidelined or overlooked, despite the field's powerful influence on visual communication and culture. This thesis aims to bridge this gap by exploring the role and responsibilities of graphic designers in fostering social justice, particularly focusing on racial justice through the lens of Black Feminist thought. Drawing from existing literature and case studies, the thesis investigates how design can both perpetuate and challenge systems of oppression such as white supremacy, hetero-patriarchy, capitalism, and settler colonialism. Additionally, it scrutinizes the underrepresentation and marginalization of black designers in the industry, assessing its impact on wider design outputs, particularly in advertising and campaigns. Using Patricia Hill Collins' three dimensions for the development of Black Feminist thought as a guide, this research seeks to reinterpret existing works, analyze the contributions of marginalized voices, and propose new theoretical frameworks aimed at breaking cycles of bias in graphic design. Keywords: Graphic Design, Social Justice, Racial Justice, Black Feminist Thought, Representation, Design Ethics, Visual Communication, Bias, Diversity in Design