I am a good person I can’t be Racist
Typically as humans, when we get accused of being racist, our defenses go up. We say I am a good person, I do such and such, or I believe in this or that; I can’t be a racist, or what I have done isn’t racist. This type of defensive reaction has a name, and it is called Spiritual bypassing.
Spiritual bypassing is a term coined by psychologist John Welwood to describe a tendency to use spiritual or personal development practices and beliefs to avoid or bypass uncomfortable emotions, unresolved issues, or deeper psychological wounds. It occurs when individuals use spiritual or mindfulness practices to detach from or deny their own or others' pain, trauma, or social injustices, without genuinely engaging with and addressing these issues in a meaningful way. Spiritual bypassing can undermine personal growth, hinder authentic relationships, and perpetuate social inequalities by diverting attention from necessary healing and social change work.
How does this show up in racism, you might be wondering? Well, here are a few ways:
Superficial Understanding: Spiritual bypassing can lead to a superficial or oversimplified understanding of racism. By focusing on spiritual concepts such as love, unity, or oneness without deeply engaging with the complexities and systemic nature of racism, individuals may avoid confronting uncomfortable truths or engaging in the necessary self-reflection and education. This can hinder genuine efforts to understand the historical, social, and structural dynamics that perpetuate racism.
Denial of Negative Emotions: Spiritual bypassing often encourages the avoidance or suppression of negative emotions, including guilt, anger, or discomfort, when confronted with the realities of racism. This denial can prevent individuals from acknowledging their complicity in perpetuating systemic racism or recognizing the need to take action to address it. It can perpetuate a "positive vibes only" mentality that dismisses the legitimate pain and experiences of those affected by racism.
Individual Focus vs. Structural Change: Spiritual bypassing may emphasize personal transformation and healing without adequately addressing the need for systemic change to dismantle racism. While personal growth and inner work are important aspects of anti-racism, they must be coupled with understanding how racism operates at societal levels, including policies, institutions, and power structures. Ignoring the structural dimensions of racism can perpetuate a focus on individual actions while neglecting the broader social transformation needed to create equity and justice.
Lack of Accountability: Spiritual bypassing can lead to a lack of accountability for one's biases or actions perpetuating racism. By framing racism solely as a spiritual issue to be transcended or "healed," individuals may avoid taking responsibility for their privilege, implicit biases, or participation in systems that uphold racial hierarchies. This can hinder meaningful allyship and the willingness to engage in challenging conversations or actively challenge racist attitudes and behaviors.
So what can we do once we realize we are spiritually bypassing racism?
Combating spiritual bypassing when dealing with racism requires a combination of self-reflection, education, and intentional action. Here are some strategies to address spiritual bypassing in the context of racism:
Engage in Critical Self-Reflection: Take the time to examine your own beliefs, biases, and behaviors regarding race. Be willing to acknowledge any tendencies to avoid uncomfortable emotions or difficult conversations related to racism. Reflect on how spirituality or personal growth practices may have influenced your perspectives on racism and consider how you can actively challenge and dismantle these patterns.
Educate Yourself: Deepen your understanding of the historical and systemic aspects of racism. Read books, articles, and academic research that explore the experiences of marginalized communities and the impacts of racism. Seek out diverse voices and perspectives to broaden your understanding and challenge any narrow or limited viewpoints.
Listen and Learn from Marginalized Communities: Actively listen to and learn from the experiences and perspectives of individuals and communities directly impacted by racism. Engage in genuine dialogue, ask questions, and create space for marginalized voices to be heard and valued. Recognize that you may not have all the answers and be open to learning from those who have firsthand experiences with racism.
Integrate Spirituality with Activism: Integrate your spiritual practices and personal growth work with anti-racism activism. Recognize that personal transformation should be coupled with collective action to dismantle systemic racism. Use your spiritual tools and practices as a means to ground and sustain your activism, cultivating empathy, compassion, and resilience in the face of racial injustices.
Practice Accountability: Hold yourself accountable for your actions and beliefs. Recognize that addressing racism requires ongoing effort and commitment. Challenge any tendencies to use spiritual concepts or practices as a means to avoid taking real action or engaging in uncomfortable conversations. Be willing to examine and correct your mistakes, listen to feedback from marginalized communities, and actively work towards growth and change.
Advocate for Systemic Change: Support and engage in efforts to address systemic racism and promote racial justice. This can include supporting organizations and initiatives that work towards racial equity, advocating for policy changes that address racial disparities, and actively challenging racism in your personal and professional spheres.
By combining these strategies, you can actively combat spiritual bypassing and contribute to the ongoing work of dismantling racism. It requires a commitment to continuous learning, self-reflection, and taking action to create a more equitable and just society for all.
Now I know this sounds easier said than done, but we create safer communities when we commit to doing the work.
