Racism and Invisibility

Abstract

SUMMARY This article presents an overview of the complex experiences of racism and the invisibility syndrome as they relate to issues of race-related stress, emotional abuse, and psychological trauma for people of color. Racism, through domination, power, and White privilege, is manifested in its individual, institutional, and cultural forms. Race-related stress is discussed as an outcome of perceived racism creating emotional abuse and psychological trauma. Consequences of racism are considered for family and couple relationships. A case example is presented illustrating the issues of racism in the professional and personal development of a staff member in a mental health agency. Examples of interventions to combat racism are given, such as identifying resilience and strengths of people of color, and the role of the antiracist movement.