A new multidisciplinary discourse approach is introduced to the study of racism. It is shown that elites play a primary role in the reproduction of ethnic dominance and racism in the popular cultures of Western societies. The subtle forms of elite racism demonstrated in politics, business, academia, education, and the media are discussed. Chapter 5 focuses on academic discourse, emphasizing that influential scholars play an increasingly powerful role as academic support for other elites. Chapter 6 discusses educational discourse. Along with the mass media, the system of formal education is among the most important institutions involved in the reproduction of contemporary society. The results of educational practices are embodied in what counts as official knowledge as well as in norms, values, and other social cognitive frameworks. The portrayal of minorities and Third World peoples in elementary, secondary, and higher education textbooks is frequently stereotypical and Eurocentrist, if not blatantly racist. An analysis of Dutch textbooks supports this opinion. Studies have confirmed that, throughout the Western world, instructional materials reproduce the ethnic status quo and actively contribute to legitimizing it. The system contributes to the special difficulties of minority and immigrant children. An appendix lists the Dutch social studies textbooks reviewed. (Contains 319 references.) (SLD)