“It Is a White Society”: How Blacks Are Viewed in America and Its Psychological Impact-Psychotherapy Speaks

The assertion that “it is a white society” encapsulates the systemic structures and cultural narratives that have historically marginalized Black individuals in America.[1] This pervasive belief shapes societal attitudes and influences the lived experiences of Black people, contributing to a profound psychological impact that warrants exploration through the lens of Psychotherapy.

Understanding the White Societal Framework
The notion of a white-dominated society operates on multiple levels—culturally, politically, and economically.[2] As historian Theodore W. Allen[3] posits, the concept of “whiteness” serves not only as a racial identifier but also as a social construct that privileges those who identify as white, while simultaneously dehumanizing and disenfranchising those who do not. This systemic racism is ingrained in American institutions and societal norms, perpetuating stereotypes that portray Black individuals as inferior, dangerous, or less capable.

The Psychological Effects of Marginalization
Black individuals in America are often confronted with a dual consciousness, as articulated by W.E.B. Du Bois.[4] This term describes the internal conflict experienced by marginalized groups who must navigate between their own identity and the dominant societal perceptions imposed upon them. The resultant psychological effects include:

1. Internalized Racism: Constant exposure to negative stereotypes can lead to internalized racism[5], where Black individuals adopt these harmful beliefs about themselves. This can manifest as self-doubt, diminished self-esteem, and feelings of inadequacy.
2. Cognitive Dissonance: The clash between personal identity and societal perception can create cognitive dissonance. Black individuals may feel compelled to conform to white societal standards, leading to a fractured sense of self and heightened anxiety.[6]
3. Chronic Stress: The daily microaggressions[7] and overt discrimination encountered in a predominantly white society contribute to chronic stress. Research shows that such stress can have profound effects on physical health, mental well-being, and overall life satisfaction.

The Role of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy[8] provides a framework to explore these dynamics and offers pathways for healing. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and cultural contexts that shape the Black experience in America. Here are some key contributions of Psychotherapy:

1. Reclaiming Identity: Psychotherapy facilitates the exploration of identity beyond societal limitations. By embracing their heritage and acknowledging the historical trauma of racism, individuals can reclaim their narrative and cultivate a sense of pride in their identity.
2. Therapeutic Validation: Creating a safe space for dialogue about the experiences of racism is crucial. Black psychoanalysts can validate the feelings of clients who grapple with societal perceptions, providing them with the tools to navigate their internal conflicts effectively.
3. Community Support: Emphasizing the role of community in healing, Psychotherapy encourages collective empowerment. Engaging in community healing practices can help individuals build resilience and counteract the negative effects of living in a white-dominated society.

Conclusion
The statement “it is a white society” serves as a reminder of the structural inequalities that persist in America and their psychological implications for Black individuals. By utilizing the principles of Psychotherapy, we can better understand these complexities and work toward healing the psychological wounds inflicted by systemic racism. The path to reclaiming one’s identity and self-worth involves not only personal reflection but also a collective effort to challenge and dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality.

[1] Riphagen, Linde. “Marginalization of African-Americans in the social sphere of US society.” The Interdisciplinary Journal of International Studies 5 (2008): 96-121.

[2] Anderson, Elijah. “The white space.” Sociology of race and ethnicity 1.1 (2015): 10-21.

[3] Scott, Jonathan, and Gregory Meyerson. “An Interview with Theodore W. Allen.” Cultural Logic: A Journal of Marxist Theory & Practice 2 (1998).

[4] Bruce, Dickson D. “WEB Du Bois and the idea of double consciousness.” American Literature 64.2 (1992): 299-309.

[5] David, EJ Ramos, Tiera M. Schroeder, and Jessicaanne Fernandez. “Internalized racism: A systematic review of the psychological literature on racism’s most insidious consequence.” Journal of Social Issues 75.4 (2019): 1057-1086.

[6] Brogaard, Berit, and Dimitria Electra Gatzia. “Cognitive dissonance and the logic of racism.” The philosophy and psychology of ambivalence. Routledge, 2020. 219-243.

[7] Majeno, Angelina, et al. “Examining the role of ethnic microaggressions and ethnicity on cortisol responses to an acute stressor among young adults.” Cultural diversity & ethnic minority psychology 27.1 (2021): 135.

[8] Mays, Vickie M. “The Black American and psychotherapy: The dilemma.” Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training 22.2S (1985): 379.