How Others’ Denial of the Transgenerational Effects of Slavery and Racism Makes It Harder for Blacks to Heal from Internalized Racism

How Others’ Denial of the Transgenerational Effects of Slavery and Racism Makes It Harder for Blacks to Heal from Internalized Racism: A Psychotherapeutic Understanding

Introduction

The historical trauma inflicted upon Black communities through slavery and systemic racism has lasting psychological effects that transcend generations.[1] While many individuals and scholars acknowledge these impacts, there remains a significant contingent of society that denies or minimizes the transgenerational effects of these injustices. This denial not only perpetuates the cycle of trauma but also complicates the healing process for Black individuals grappling with internalized racism.[2] This article explores the psychological mechanisms behind this denial and its implications for healing through a Psychotherapeutic lens.

The Legacy of Transgenerational Trauma

Transgenerational trauma[3] refers to the transmission of the effects of trauma from one generation to the next. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of slavery and systemic racism, where the psychological scars of oppression have been passed down through familial and cultural lines. As noted by psychiatrist Dr. Judith Herman, trauma can become intergenerational, affecting the descendants of those who experienced it directly.

The internalized racism[4] that arises from this legacy is not merely a personal struggle but a collective issue rooted in historical context. Internalized racism manifests as negative self-perceptions, diminished self-worth, and a pervasive sense of disconnection from cultural identity. As psychologist Kevin Cokley explains, internalized racism can negatively influence mental health, self-esteem, and academic performance among Black individuals.

The Role of Denial

Denial of the transgenerational effects of slavery and racism operates on both societal and individual levels.[5] Societal denial often manifests through dismissive rhetoric, the minimization of historical injustices, and the perpetuation of stereotypes that frame Black individuals as responsible for their circumstances. This denial serves to uphold existing power structures and avoid accountability for systemic racism.[6]

Psychologically, denial can be understood as a defense mechanism that protects individuals from uncomfortable truths. According to Psychotherapeutic theory, denial can manifest in various forms, such as rationalization and displacement, as individuals attempt to navigate feelings of guilt, shame, or complicity in perpetuating systemic inequalities (Freud, 1925). When society denies the historical and ongoing impact of slavery and racism, it invalidates the lived experiences of Black individuals, further entrenching internalized racism and impeding healing.

The Psychological Implications of Denial

The denial of transgenerational trauma can have profound psychological implications for Black individuals. When society minimizes or dismisses the impact of slavery and racism,[7] it reinforces feelings of isolation and alienation among Black communities. This isolation can exacerbate the internalization of negative stereotypes, leading individuals to feel that their experiences are not only invalidated but also invisible.

Moreover, the denial of these historical truths creates an environment where healing becomes increasingly difficult. Healing from trauma requires acknowledgment, validation, and a safe space to process pain. As Dr. Gwendolyn Midlo Hall points out, “Without recognition of the trauma, there can be no reconciliation.” Denial obstructs the path to healing, leaving individuals grappling with unresolved feelings and psychological distress.

The Path to Healing

To foster healing within Black communities, it is essential to confront and challenge the denial surrounding the effects of slavery and racism. A Psychotherapeutic approach emphasizes the importance of dialogue, recognition, and acknowledgment of trauma. Therapeutic settings that create a safe space for individuals to express their experiences can facilitate the processing of internalized racism and promote healing.

Psychotherapists and mental health practitioners play a vital role in this process. By incorporating culturally relevant practices and recognizing the historical context of trauma, they can help individuals reclaim their narratives and foster resilience.[8] Community-based interventions, such as healing circles and support groups, can also provide spaces for collective healing and empowerment.

Conclusion

The denial of the transgenerational effects of slavery and racism serves as a significant barrier to healing for Black individuals grappling with internalized racism. Acknowledging this denial is crucial for fostering understanding and empathy, both within and outside Black communities. By recognizing the historical and ongoing impacts of trauma, society can create pathways for healing that affirm the dignity and worth of Black individuals.

Through a Psychotherapeutic understanding of these dynamics, we can move toward a future where healing is not only possible but supported by collective acknowledgment and commitment to justice.

This article aims to illuminate the psychological complexities surrounding the denial of historical trauma and its implications for healing, advocating for a more informed and empathetic approach to the experiences of Black individuals.

[1] Kaufman, Joan, et al. “Transgenerational inheritance and systemic racism in America.”?Psychiatric research and clinical practice?5.2 (2023): 60-73.

[2] Kinouani, Guilaine. “Silencing, power and racial trauma in groups.”?Group Analysis?53.2 (2020): 145-161.

[3] Krippner, Stanley, and Deirdre Barrett. “Transgenerational trauma.”?The Journal of Mind and Behavior?40.1 (2019): 53-62.

[4] Williams, Keshia Unika. “Exploring internalized racism: A critical review of the literature and implications for clinical social work.” (2008).

[5] Williams, Monnica T., Destiny Printz, and Ryan CT DeLapp. “Assessing racial trauma with the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale.”?Psychology of violence?8.6 (2018): 735.

[6] Wong, Kayla L., and Margo A. Jackson. “Psychoeducational and healing experiences with microaggressions of college-educated Black and Indigenous people of color.”?Qualitative Psychology?10.2 (2023): 208.

[7] Carson, Todd M.?The application of post traumatic slave syndrome to three traumatized cultural groups. Alliant International University, 2013.

[8] Adames, Hector Y., et al. “Radical healing in psychotherapy: Addressing the wounds of racism-related stress and trauma.”?Psychotherapy?60.1 (2023): 39.