Thursday 11 October 2012

Racism.. and the five stages of impact..

It's perhaps a bit of a stretch theoretically speaking... but I was looking at the five stages of grief and began to wonder if its possible to link it to the impact of racism short and long term.

Not only with regards to individuals, but an entire group of people.
The possible impact on the the 'black psyche' if you like...

I was speaking to someone the other day who said that some young people these days seem to possess a certain apathy.. it's acceptance but an acceptance leaning towards a more negative slant. A feeling of powerlessness.. but that can be said of some adults too no doubt

I neither agreed or disagreed .. I just listened

Just for the fun of it I'm going to tell the story of the UK black Caribbean experience of racism in simple terms

1950s migration - stage 1. Denial
1970s second generation experience - stage 2. Anger
1980's progression for some - Stage 3. Bargaining. For others Stage 2. Anger
1990's high unemployment - Stage 4. Depression
00's - class divisions Stage 5. - Acceptance

1. - Denial
This isn’t happening!...
2. - Anger
WTF.. you've got to be kidding me!...
3. - Bargaining
Okay.. what do I need to do...?
4. - Depression
I did all I could and still nothings changed....
5. - Acceptance
I tried.. yet little changed.. perhaps never will... from now on I’ll ignore it .. it doesn't matter

Like most things it's fluid, and people can enter into any stage at any time..
I had fun with that

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