Managing the Chaos of Living Black in Predominantly White Spaces
Photo by Jahi Chikwendiu for the Washington Post
This photo depicts #InternalizedRacism visualized by Jahi Chikwendiu in collaboration with Trish Adora for a @washingtonmag essay on Visualizing Racism.
I recently started a Substack.
In my profile, I described the content of my Substack as “confronting the chaos of living Black in predominantly white spaces.”
I did not expect the responses that I received.
People wanted to know what I meant by “chaos in white spaces.” Most people were curious. Others seemed mildly offended.
The overall response was focused on my use of the term, “chaos.”
Honestly, I had used the word, “chaos” rather euphemistically in place of “racism.”
Then, I thought about it more deeply.
I do have a feeling of “chaos” in certain (predominantly white”) spaces, which I don't feel in spaces where I am surrounded by Black people. For example, I noticed the feeling of “chaos” when I visited Germany, but I did not feel chaos when visited Ghana. I have more examples.
Note: I am also interested in your thoughts and experiences in this “racial chaos.”
The experience of being Black in predominantly white spaces can be marked by a pervasive and multifaceted chaos—a constant threat of microaggressions, tokenism, or cultural appropriation that can undermine our sense of belonging.
Three Elements of the Chaos
At its core, this chaos is characterized by three key elements: unpredictability, lack of control, and irrationality.
Unpredictability: The unpredictability of interactions and experiences in predominantly white spaces can leave us feeling on edge and constantly vigilant. From microaggressions to overt acts of discrimination, we never know when or how racism will appear. This constant state of alertness can take a toll on our mental and emotional health, leading to heightened stress, anxiety, and hypervigilance.
Lack of Control: In these spaces, we often find ourselves navigating systems and structures that are designed to disadvantage us. Whether it's facing systemic barriers in education, employment, or healthcare, the pervasive lack of control can breed feelings of powerlessness and frustration. This sense of disempowerment can erode our self-esteem and confidence, hindering our ability to advocate for ourselves and pursue our goals.
Irrationality: Racism and discrimination defy logic and reason, yet they continue to shape our experiences and interactions. From being judged based on stereotypes to facing unjust treatment at the hands of authority figures, the irrationality of racism can leave us feeling invalidated and misunderstood. This disconnect between our lived reality and others' perceptions of us can contribute to feelings of alienation and isolation.
Subscribe to my Substack here.
Self-care in the Chaos
Living in the chaos of predominantly white spaces can feel like navigating a minefield of racial profiling, imposter syndrome, and unequal treatment, where every move is scrutinized, and achievements are diminished.
This chaos can weigh heavily on us, manifesting in other forms like colorism, gaslighting, and economic exploitation, eroding our spirit and limiting our opportunities.
The weight of this chaos is compounded by the emotional labor of constantly educating others about racism, explaining our experiences, and navigating difficult conversations, often at the expense of our own well-being. It's a relentless assault on our humanity—one that demands resilience, courage, and unwavering determination to survive and thrive.
Navigating racial chaos can take a toll on our health and well-being.
What can we do to navigate this chaos and prioritize our health and well-being?
First and foremost, it's important to recognize that we are not alone in this struggle. By fostering a sense of community and solidarity, we can support each other and amplify our voices in the face of adversity.
Additionally, practicing self-care and prioritizing our mental and emotional health is essential. Whether it's through mindfulness, therapy, or engaging in activities that bring us joy and relaxation, taking care of ourselves is an act of resistance against the chaos that seeks to diminish us.
Together, let's continue to advocate for systemic change, challenge oppressive structures, and create spaces where Black voices are heard, valued, and respected.
In peace,
Ama-Robin
