Internalized racism[1] represents a significant psychological burden within marginalized communities, particularly among Black individuals. This phenomenon involves the internalization of negative stereotypes and attitudes about one’s racial identity, leading to detrimental effects on self-esteem, mental health, and community cohesion. To understand and address internalized racism, a Black psychoanalytic perspective offers critical insights that illuminate the psychological mechanisms at play and propose pathways for healing.
Understanding Internalized Racism
Internalized racism[2] occurs when individuals adopt the prejudices and stereotypes perpetuated by the dominant society against their own racial group. This can manifest as self-hatred, feelings of inferiority, and a desire to distance oneself from one’s cultural identity.[3] The consequences are profound, affecting personal relationships, career opportunities, and mental health outcomes. According to a study by Brown et al in (2017), internalized racism is linked to increased levels of depression and anxiety among Black individuals.
Historical Context
The roots of internalized racism can be traced back to historical trauma, including slavery, segregation, and systemic discrimination. The impact of these experiences is not only historical but also psychological, shaping identity and self-perception across generations.[4] Frantz Fanon, a seminal figure in Black psychoanalysis, argued that colonialism instills a sense of inferiority in the oppressed, leading to psychological distress and a fractured identity.[5] This dislocation of identity contributes to the normalization of internalized racism, where individuals come to believe the negative stereotypes about their own community.
The Psychoanalytic Framework
Black psychoanalysis emphasizes the importance of relational dynamics and cultural context in understanding internalized racism.[6] It recognizes that individual experiences are embedded within broader sociocultural frameworks, influencing self-concept and interpersonal relationships.
The Role of the Mirror
The concept of the “mirror” is central to understanding identity formation. According to Lacanian theory[7], individuals develop their sense of self through reflections from others. For Black individuals, the societal mirror often reflects distorted images, reinforcing negative stereotypes and contributing to internalized racism. This process can lead to a profound disconnection from one’s cultural identity, resulting in feelings of shame and inadequacy.
Collective Healing
Addressing internalized racism requires a collective approach that emphasizes healing and empowerment.[8] Black psychoanalysts advocate for the creation of safe spaces where individuals can explore their racial identity and share their experiences. Through community healing circles, participants can engage in dialogue, allowing for the normalization of their feelings and fostering a sense of solidarity. This process not only alleviates individual suffering but also strengthens community bonds.
Practical Applications
To combat internalized racism, several strategies can be employed:
- Education and Awareness: Increasing awareness about the psychological effects of racism and the dynamics of internalized racism is crucial.[9] Educational programs that discuss the history of racism and its impact on identity can empower individuals to challenge negative self-perceptions.
- Culturally Relevant Therapeutic Approaches: Mental health services should be culturally competent and informed by Black psychoanalytic principles. Therapists trained in these approaches can better understand the nuances of internalized racism and support clients in reclaiming their identities.[10]
- Community Building: Creating spaces for Black individuals to come together, share their stories, and celebrate their cultural heritage can foster resilience. Engaging in cultural activities and community service can help individuals reconnect with their identity and combat feelings of inferiority.
- Advocacy: Advocating for systemic change that addresses the root causes of racism is essential. By challenging policies and practices that perpetuate inequality, individuals can work toward a more just society.
Conclusion
Normalizing discussions about internalized racism is critical for healing and empowerment within Black communities. By utilizing a Black psychoanalytic framework, we can better understand the psychological mechanisms at play and develop strategies to address this pervasive issue.
As we work to dismantle the structures that perpetuate racism, it is essential to create spaces for dialogue, healing, and community-building. By doing so, we not only confront internalized racism but also foster a stronger, more resilient collective identity.
[1] Bivens, Donna. “Internalized racism: A definition.” Boston: The Women’s Theological Center (1995).
[2] 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.
[3] Cross Jr, William E., and David M. Frost. “Black identities, internalized racism, and self-esteem.” Meaning-Making, Internalized Racism, and African American Identity. Albany, NY: SUNY (2016): 229-243.
[4] Williams, Tanya Ovea. A process of becoming: US born African American and Black women in a process of liberation from internalized racism. University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2011.
[5] Hook, Derek. “Fanon and the psychoanalysis of racism.” (2004): 114-137.
[6] Sheppard, Phillis Isabella, and Phillis Isabella Sheppard. “Black Psychoanalysis and Black Feminist Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism: Resources toward a Critical Appropriation of Psychoanalysis.” Self, Culture, and Others in Womanist Practical Theology (2011): 81-110.
[7] Stavrakakis, Yannis. “Lacanian Theory.” Routledge International Handbook of Contemporary Social and Political Theory (2011): 66.
[8] French, Bryana H., et al. “Toward a psychological framework of radical healing in communities of color.” The Counseling Psychologist 48.1 (2020): 14-46.
[9] Chopra, Sapna B. “Healing from internalized racism for Asian Americans.” Professional Psychology: Research and Practice 52.5 (2021): 503.
[10] Johns, Taj. “In Service to My Community: Exploring Oppression and Internalized Racism.” The Palgrave Handbook of Learning for Transformation. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2022. 627-644.