What is internalized racism?
“Internalized racism is a form of internalized oppression, defined by sociologist Karen D. Pyke as the “internalization of racial oppression by the racially subordinated.”
My experience with internalized racism is growing up, noticing the features that have been deemed attractive by society look nothing like the ones I have and blaming myself because of it. Then, it’s going to bed and wishing my hair was pin-straight, just like the White girls in my class. Internalized racism is hating me because I was Black, and it is the feelings many Black women have because we’re considered inferior from birth. As W.E.B. DuBois said, “It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity.” As Black women, we constantly look at ourselves through the lens of others and are always upset by what we see. This can come in many forms, for example, like I mentioned above, hair shame. As Mason’s dissertation points out, Black women are constantly criticized for how their hair naturally grows out of their heads. This can have many debilitating effects on their self-esteem, self-image, confidence, etc.; The Crown Act has yet to be passed in every state in the US (more information in the link below). While looking for validation in a European-dominated society, Black women turn towards self-hatred because of the inability to ever reach “the norm.” Since we have not been included in what dictates the norm in our society, we can never truly achieve it. As we navigate our lives, noticing how Black women are treated throughout every space, we begin to internalize many of those stereotypes and ideas. Having such a controversial space within society and being told not to believe everything you see regarding your community is hard. “Internalized racism, or the acceptance of negative stereotypes about one’s own racial group, has been associated with psychological distress among African Americans” (Willis et al.). This feeling can have apparent psychological effects. It can alter your sense of racial identity and leave you confused about whether or not you see yourself positively. With the expansion of social media, it has been easier for these feelings of inferiority to be voiced. Still, it has opened the door for the sharing of more negative thoughts and ideas people have on Black women. Not to mention the constant criticism that Black women have to endure daily. Internalized racism results from a society that deems itself inclusive but shows its true colors within us. Suppose you start noticing your feelings of inferiority from fears of not being enough or not fitting a standard. In that case, it is no fault of your own. Once you begin noticing these feelings, you can start to change those feelings. Let me know some ways you alter your thoughts of internalized racism below!
(n.d.). The Official CROWN Act. Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.thecrownact.com/
Internalized racism. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internalized_racism
Willis, H. A., Sosoo, E. E., Bernard, D. L., Neal, A., & Neblett, E. W. (2021). The Associations Between Internalized Racism, Racial Identity, and Psychological Distress. Emerging Adulthood, 9(4), 384–400. https://doi.org/10.1177/21676968211005598