NCJ Number
216661
Journal
Journal of Emotional Abuse Volume: 6 Issue: 2/3 Dated: 2006 Pages: 9-30
Date Published
2006
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This article presents an overview of the experiences of racism and the "invisibility syndrome" (a person's perception that his/her talents and identity are not seen because of the dominance of preconceived attitudes and stereotypes) as they relate to issues of race-related stress, emotional abuse, and psychological trauma for people of color.
Abstract
After discussing the nature of individual, institutional, and cultural racism, the authors address "White privilege" as Whites' assumption of their superiority relative to other races and its promotion as their right as a race. This is followed by sections of the article that deal with the "invisibility syndrome." This is followed by discussions of perceived racism; race-related stress; racism-related emotional abuse, psychological trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and the consequences of racism. The article concludes with descriptions of strategies in combating racism. This section notes that in combating the stress, emotional abuse, and psychological trauma caused by racism, "invisibility," and discrimination, it is important to emphasize the inner strength, resilience, personal and collective determination, and spiritual faith that have allowed generations of people of color to develop effective coping mechanisms and survive racism-related traumas. In his research on Black families, Hill (1999) documents the legacy of strengths that have contributed to surviving chronic racism: strong kinship bonds, spirituality and religious orientation, flexible roles, and a strong educational and work orientation. 66 references