Envision having to consistently be “on” or having a subset of boxes that you must check daily. Does this new Nike hoodie make me look stylish, or will I be misidentified as threatening? Are all my taillights functioning properly? Will my 8 am without coffee face be misinterpreted as “the angry black woman.” For people of color, these are some of the intrusive themes that may govern one’s thinking, all before stepping foot into the judgmental views of the world.
Photo by Beth Tate via Unsplash
“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.”
Resentment and Anger
The recent killing of George Floyd has triggered the entire nation as it resembles the countless police killings we have sadly seen before. Ahmaud Arbery, killed while jogging in Georgia. Breonna Taylor, killed after police raided the wrong home. Freddie Gray, killed for possession of a pocketknife. A commonality that these individuals share, the color of their skin. Like so many before them, they too join the unforgotten lists of hashtags as a result of disproportionate killings of Black Americans by law enforcement.
What happens when ongoing protests for freedom and equality appear to fall on deaf ears? When senseless killings are met with acquittals that magnify messages that you are not seen, you are not valued, you are not enough; from a system designed to protect and serve. What is the next step? This is the crossroad that many are finding themselves. Anger seems to be the unanimity that people of color and allies alike are feeling.
The riots taking place can be viewed as a direct result of displaced anger and unresolved trauma. I’ll say it louder for the people in the back! The riots taking place can be viewed as a direct result of displaced anger and unresolved trauma. Too often the emotional toll of repeated racism is overlooked. Anger is a normal emotion however negative cognitions have resulted in the gatekeeping of underlying feelings. There are benefits to normalizing and processing anger:
Self-awareness – Be gentle with yourself. Take time to recognize underlying emotions that may be associated with anger.
Be present – Allow yourself to sit with the anger.
Self-expression – Discharging feelings of anger is important versus sitting with unresolved energy (physical activity, participating in forms of social or economic activism).
Relaxation techniques – Find calming ways to unplug.
Spread Awareness
Photo by Donovan Valdivia via Unsplash
Fighting for change has never been easy work, previous leaders have illustrated this through their displays of resiliency and dedication. Today’s generation has continued to build upon their legacies. Technology is a tool that was not readily available for previous calls of discriminations. Social media offers the ability to spread education about privilege, antiblackness, and the injustices taking place. It is important to utilize it such ways that do not further traumatize people of color. Studies have shown the emotional and mental toll of viewing graphic content without appropriate debriefing. In addition to impacting one’s mental health, it can also result in polarized thinking. While protests alone may not have rendered the immediate change wanted, they HAVE shown solidarity and what power in numbers look like.
For those seeking ways to have their voices heard, a great starting point is to educate yourself of organizations that support people of color. Research if their mission aligns with your views. There is power in numbers and together we can all be the change by taking even the smallest of steps.
Identify what is being done in your local community to change racism and oppression.
Familiarize yourself with local politicians’ views on ending police brutality.
Take advantage of opportunities to use educate of anti-racism with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to spark a conversation of change.
Register to vote.
Share resources on social platforms to educate those around you.
Donate when possible to organizations that support your views.
Support businesses that support you.
Sign petitions surrounding topics that resonate with you
As the ongoing fight against injustice continues, I leave you with these words from Barack Obama;
“…change happens, typically not because somebody on high decides that it’s going to happen, but rather because at a grassroots level enough people come together that they force the system to change.”
Meet the Author: Brittany Spencer, LGPC
Brittany Spencer, LGPC, is a therapist at Space Between Counseling Services. Brittany works with individuals and couples in the Charm City area as they manage stress, grief, LGBTQIA+ related concerns, and more.
Brittany’s integrative therapeutic approach has allowed her to interact with a diverse population to increase self-awareness, enhance communication skills, and utilize coping skills that allows her clients to show up as present as they can within their relationships. Processing life is not always easy, sometimes a safe space and comfy couch can be the most simplistic start to allow someone to show up for themselves. Brittany strives to increase the autonomy of her clients.
When not working to evolve her counseling skills, Brittany enjoys outdoor activities. As the weather changes, you’re like to catch her at local 5k races in the Charm City area. As a former collegiate athlete, Brittany loves attending NBA and WNBA basketball games. As a newlywed, Brittany enjoys bonfires and attending community festivals with her wife.