Purpose – This paper aims to analyze recent debates about outsourcing in the USA, using examples from IT sector, especially in the context of India. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a critical commentary and uses methods based in rhetorical criticism. Findings – The author argues that to fully understand the outsourcing issue, it has to be considered a symptomatic discourse rather than a causative one. Specifically, it is argued that the outsourcing debate in the context of IT work evidences class issues in as much as it involves white collar visibility. Moreover, the debate is also symptomatic of ethnic tensions in the form of ethnic scapegoating. Some implications of the debate are discussed. Originality/value – The paper is of value to those interested in debates about outsourcing, and highlights the importance of a communication-oriented perspective.