I'm still trying to decide if I think it exists at all.
Slave mentality is defined as:
- Anyone exhibiting high arrogance and ignorance levels by the urban dictionary,
- A slave mentality is one of feeling inferior, or of feeling lost without hope, a feeling that we do not have the power to significantly alter our own circumstances. Another sad symptom of having a slave mentality is believing that White people are superior, have all the answers, and are empowered by GOD according to Darrell Slaughter, and
- Colonial mentality refers to faltu institutionalised or systemic feelings of inferiority within some societies or peoples who have been subjected to colonialism, relative to the mores (mores (IPA ) are strongly held norms or customs. These derive from the established practices of a society rather than its written laws.) or values of the foreign powers which had previously subjugated them. The concept essentially refers to the acceptance, by the colonised, of the culture or doctrines of the coloniser as intrinsically more worthy or superior. The subject matter is quite controversial as per the glossary.com encyclopedia.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/06/the_slave_mentality.html
It is also important to understand that the slave mentality some refer to does not only apply to black people, but any race or group of people fitting the description.
Some of the ideas they raise are lack of ability to trace family lineage and therefore the need to create their own culture, colorism that created the difference between light and dark skin black people and the perpetual feeling of oppression felt by groups previously dominated by another.
Does anyone find this preposterous? The author Marlon James says it's an excuse to avoid responsibility; for your family, your education, your life choices, in his blog. What do you think?
I am not a psychologist nor a sociologist, but I do not doubt that such a condition can exist, depending on the circumstances of the person and their past history. Problematic situations in upbringing can be the result of past generations of problems and not being able to deal with problems due to a variety of factors--one of which might be oppression by others.
ReplyDeleteWhat is important for me in this situation would be to get assistance and act to move out of the condition. There are many successful people in every nationality, race, age group, and social class. Latch onto the experience of these people and strive to move toward a positive outcome that is possible. I believe that "where there is a will, there is a way." The first move for victims out of their situation is for them to find the assistance to move beyond their situation to a more hopeful outcome.
LaToya, the “slave mentality” is not a preposterous condition of the mind and lived experience. It can run deep in some groups, not just African-Americans and is probably more prevalent in southern regions of our country.
ReplyDeleteAuthor, Angela Valenzuela, refers to this slave mentality as internalized oppression in her article,”Uncovering Internalized Oppression”1 In this article, she recalls during 7th grade witnessing how Mexican-Americans students would put down Mexican immigrants. She states,
“Despite our shared origins, we tended to view the less Anglicized immigrants among us as inferior distant cousins or to ignore their existence altogether.” She continues with her “feeling pressured” to be Mexican American, the emphasis on American, “somehow better, superior and richer than ‘those Mexicans’…”
This internalized oppression stems from many forms of racism demonstrated outwardly; such events as slavery, Jim Crow laws, violence against minorities, voiced stereotypes and judgments. These events can cause one group (of minorities) to take on the role of “oppressor against members of their own group.”
I do not believe all individuals in a minority group have a slave mentality or are incapable of overcoming this condition. I believe as educators, when the opportunity presents itself, we should engage our students in empathetic discussions that questions and raise awareness of internal racism/oppression thrust upon others.
source: Mica Pollock, 2008. Everyday Antiracism – Getting Real about Race in School.
New York: The New Press
Hey Toya
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your post, and especially your article from the American Thinker. There is this dichotomy between being a "forced" slave, and being a slave by "choice." It does exist in our society, and it is wrong. I have found that people will precipitate their own stereotypes based on a place of ignorance. I would like to think that we have come so far as a society to promote our own agendas, and leave the rest behind. But this doesn't usually happen. I am thinking that the best possible way for us to move forward as a nation is to simply educate our youth. Educate them about ALL of the issues going on, in their own communities, and others communities.
I really liked this topic! It was controversial and very thought-provoking. I love how you bring it to the surface. That being said, I definitely saw students in my African-American Literature class at Tri-C that had people in it who were very confused with their identity. Their relatives had been slaves, but they now live in a different time. The one woman was really having trouble grasping her roots because when she traced back to her family lineage, she found pretty unbelievable information and had a difficult time sorting this life from a past life. It was intriguing to see her perspective unfold as she slowly started to read works from a few centuries ago to those composed in the Harlem Renaissance. She was very inspirational because there will definitely be students in our classes who don't know their identity. They will be torn (not all of them, but some) and will not know who to be. Identity is especially difficult for those of different ethnicities during adolescence. We must remember that we need to make sure we are allowing our students to be who they want to be; this also traces back to the Ebonics discussion we held a few weeks ago. It's crucial to allow the identity to develop as we enrich - not inhibit - their minds.
ReplyDeleteI believe that some people do have a slave mentality. They believe that the color of their skin will hinder them from being successful. There are endless possibilities for every individual as long as that individual can see them.
ReplyDeleteToya!! My new homie with Moca coca Latte drinks and craziest facial expressions ! I know you will continue to be a great educator! very intelligent and has a lot to offer our youth!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Latoya! I totally agree that many people may have “slave mentality.” It can be applied to the race, but it also can be true for any ethnic group or even for people that struggle financially.
ReplyDeleteDuring our last group discussion I was truly moved by the story of your grandmother that went on foot to West Virginia in order to get education. A great true story!