Racist #MeToo: Coping with Racial Trauma

It seems that the past month has been a time of reckoning in various industries,  primarily in the media.  Many have called it a #racistmetoo, with Black people stepping forward to tell tales of overt racist transgressions, as well as microaggressions. For some people, it has been cathartic to tell these stories; and for others it has been empowering to read them, knowing that they are not alone in their experiences. 

Some people have taken to the streets to physically protest systemic racism, while others have donated money to a variety of causes.  Some individuals have found strength in these discussions or being physically present in the struggle. However, there are others, who find the clips of racial violence and images of Black protesters being assaulted by police, nightmare inducing.  Many are being forced to confront the racial traumas that have long been repressed. 

So how do we cope with racial trauma, which has existed insidiously, while shaping various part of our lives:

1)Make little changes to reclaim our agency

A few years ago, I adopted a uniform of leggings, sports cap and sneakers, for my shopping trips. For most of my life, I had been dressing up to go shopping, to deter sales associates from following me around the store. Finally, I acknowledged within myself, if someone was going to discriminate against me for being Black, it was going to happen no matter what I wore or how much money I had in my bank account. This little change has been liberating for me.  I see it as a fight against the paradigms of race and class, that help to uphold white supremacy.   In other words, reflect on the things you do deflect racist actions, and reclaim your space.

2)Me versus the movement?: Finding your place

Some people may feel guilty for not protesting and being “on top of everything”.  Although this may be a period of awakening for many; there are some of us, who were never asleep.  It is key to respect everyone’s path in rediscovering their Blackness and grappling with anti-Black racism.  There are individuals who are employed in some professions where voicing their opinions would lead to subsequent unemployment.  If attending every march is where you are in your journey, do so.  Conversely, if you need to log off of social media for a week and filter news reports through friends and family, it’s fine to do so as well. 

3) Seek professional help

There are a litany of anecdotes  that many Black people carry around with them on a daily basis.  The silent pain and sadness may manifest in their demeanor or may cause detriment to their overall physical and mental health. If you find that  nightmares are intensifying and symptoms of anxiety are not decreasing, it’s recommended that you seek professional help.  It is important that you find a therapist who is attuned to the effects of racism on the Black individual and who is willing to work with you in developing helpful coping strategies.