“Even now I wonder if it was my poor sense of self that first generated my poor sense of my people. Or was it my poor sense of my people that inflamed a poor sense of myself? Racist ideas make people of color think less of themselves, which makes them more vulnerable to racist ideas.”
- Ibram X. Kendi
DAY FIVE
The Four Levels of Racism
 
We will be examining the four levels at which racism manifests itself: internalized, interpersonal, institutional, and structural. It has been observed that we often learn of instances of interpersonal racism but how racism works at a structural level is obscure. Starting with internalized racism, we hope that this structure highlights the need to begin addressing racism at all levels; particularly at the structural level. For reasons that will become more apparent, it is at that level we find change can be most impactful.
 
Internalized Racism: A set of privately held beliefs, prejudices, and ideas about the superiority of whites and the inferiority of people of color. Among people of color, it manifests as internalized oppression. Among whites, it manifests as internalized racial superiority.
READ
This article explores the messages people of color receive from the dominant culture and the negative impact on self-conceptualization.
 
Four Levels of Racism (2 Minute Read)
From Race Forward, this is a good overview of the four levels of racism, along with some questions for reflection or discussion.
 
This piece explores how Latinx college students internalize racism and how counselors can help them heal and thrive.
 
  • In a society where racial prejudice thrives in politics, communities, institutions and popular culture, it's difficult for racial minorities to avoid absorbing the racist messages that constantly bombard them. Thus, people of color sometimes adopt a white supremacist mindset that results in self-hatred and hatred of their respective racial group.
LISTEN
Shaakira White discusses three different ways internalized racism shows itself within the Black community.
 
Our recommended selection for today from UWPC's "Soundtrack 4 Justice" playlist
"Black is Beautiful" by Chronixx (3:40)
WATCH
How people identify can depend on more than just ethnic and racial background. It can vary depending on how they look, what family members they're close to and who raised them.
 
Systemic racism affects every area of life in the U.S., from incarceration rates to predatory loans, and trying to solve these problems requires changes in significant parts of our system. This video takes a closer look at what systemic racism is and how we can solve it.
 
Community leader, activist and educator, Jabari Lyles, discusses his journey to understanding and loving himself as a Black man, despite growing up among a predominantly white community.
CONNECT
Who's in your feed?
Follow Racial Justice activists, educators, organizations, and movements on social media. Consider connecting with any of the people/organizations you learn about in the daily resources. We'll provide some suggestions to widen the circle of who you follow.
 
Carefree and Black Diaries - carefreenblkdiaries | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
PUT IT TO USE!
The most challenging but most transformational work for anti-racist white people and people of color is the work within ourselves and our communities.
 
  • In homogeneous settings, white people can help each other understand white privilege and to challenge each other to truly accept the leadership of and equitably share benefit and ownership with people of color.
  • In heterogeneous settings, all must ensure that systemic racism, white privilege and internalized racism are understood and addressed. We can then build inclusive and intercultural cultures that refuse to accept racial disparity and that bravely expose the lies of race and racism.
 
Reflect - How do you see internalized racism impacting you personally or the communities or groups you work with?
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