Psychological Aspects of Racism
Manichean Thinking
The Manichean order reads that “there is a dualistic universal or zone of being in which existence is dichotomized into opposing poles. These poles are defined as light and dark; good and evil” ; Simplistically meaning everything in existence is categorized into good categories represented by white or bad categories represented by black.
Example: Heros are always associated with bright colors & lights while villains are associated with dark colors & lights.
Consciously or unconsciously processing this projection of racism negatively impacts efficacy competence, historical and cultural knowledge and body image
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is the ability to realistically reach goals or make desired ends. Racism can affect an individual's efficacy competence by influencing them to doubt their ability to succeed in their goals or desires income thus causing self doubt.
- Example- According to the Median Wealth Holdings by Income in 1984 graph the average “High Income African American” in 2003 was about $50,000 where as the “High Income White” averaged to be about $250,000
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Can be described as one’s the remote and immediate sense of origin and culture. Racism has a negative influence on one historical and cultural knowledge.
How one feels about their physical attributes such as their hair, skin color, eye color, and body size.
- Example: Students in elementary school learn that African Americans came from slavery. This could negatively impact their self conscious because they could think if their ancestors only amounted to slavery they might not amount to much more.
- Example: The Clark & Clark Doll Study conducted in 1939. This study was composed of 4 dolls that were identical to each other with the exception of color. They asked black & white participants ranging in ages 3-7 which doll they preferred (in a variation of ways) and found that the majority of African American girls not only identified more with white dolls but also had a negative reaction to black dolls.
