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4 Ways Slavery/Racism Affect Me Psychologically
“I don’t see why we should be made to feel bad about something that happened hundreds of years ago, that we had nothing to do with.”
After the death of George Floyd sparked unrest across the country, this quote is what my (half-white, half-Filipino) friend said when I asked about his thoughts on the concept of white privilege. I quickly reminded him that anyone who uses the idea of white privilege to make someone feel bad is not wielding the concept correctly, sensibly, or responsibly.
White privilege is a concept coined to engender empathy and understanding.
It exists to put verbiage to the fact that there are certain psychological hurdles they will never have to jump. The power of understanding this shouldn’t be taken lightly, considering along with empathy, these are often the foundation of change. Which, ultimately, is what compels me to write this article.
Those who know me, know I’m an empowered individual who takes personal responsibility for everything. Arguably, too much. I will never use my race as an excuse for why I can’t achieve something.
Still, I’m not blind or unconscious; I’ve realized these four ways slavery and racism have impacted me on a psychological level.