Van Dyk, Sebastiaan2020-10-152020-10-152020-06-11Van Dyk, S., 2020, ‘Racism amongst white Afrikaner adolescents: The challenge of I-Thou (Buber) relations’, HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 76(2), a5240. https://DOI.org/10.4102/hts.v76i2.5240.0259-9422 (print)2072-8050 (online)10.4102/hts.v76i2.5240http://hdl.handle.net/2263/76487This article was derived from S.v.D. doctoral thesis under the supervision of Prof. J. C. Müller (Department of Practical Theology, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria). (http://hdl.handle.net/2263/71038)This article was derived from my doctoral thesis, ‘Post-apartheid racism among Afrikaans speaking urban adolescents: A narrative-pastoral reflection’. The impetus for this study was the seemingly increasing occurrences of racism amongst post-apartheid Afrikaans-speaking urban adolescents in South Africa by taking a narrative practical theological perspective on the matter to help build meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. This study explored the level of dialogue of the participants using a postfoundational paradigm. Two questions guided the investigation: (1) How deeply embedded are objectifying of cross-cultural relationships? (2) How can we instigate honest dialogue aiding us in being more aware of our biases to embrace diversity and going forward as a unity in diversity? This study was conducted in 2016 amongst white Afrikaans-speaking urban adolescents living in Pretoria-East, South Africa. I had four group conversations (A, B, C and D) with my co-researchers (research participants), with six to eight adolescents per group. I made use of certain empirical research methods, such as narrative interviewing and group discussions. From an epistemological perspective, a postfoundational, social constructionist perspective, including an autoethnographical approach, was followed. The research indicated that Afrikaner adolescents could live life unquestioned from a position of power and objectivity that was culturally inherited. It was found that by objectifying relationships (I-It), diverse engagement becomes almost impossible. Consequently, this article advocates for a dialogical (I-Thou) approach towards building relationships in a context where people feel vulnerable and shameful, have fears, but also gain trust to contribute to meaningful dialogue with ‘others’.en© 2020. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.RacismAfrikanerBuberAdolescentsNarrativeWhite AfrikanerTheology articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationTheology articles SDG-10SDG-10: Reduced inequalitiesTheology articles SDG-16SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutionsArticle