Finding the White Voice

Abstract

This thesis examines the use of the ‘White voice’ in the film BlacKkKlansman by Spike Lee. This film features scenes in which a Black individual uses their voice in such a way that they are perceived to be White. Through textual and sonic analysis of these scenes, this thesis demonstrates that the creation of the ‘White voice’ is successful through the creation of a vocalic body. It argues that this White vocalic body is created through a particular cultural style that plays into possible ideas about Whiteness, and therefore also demonstrates the performative, social nature of the racialized voice.