Understanding Racial Gaslighting: How Denying Racism Can Impact Mental Health

Rebecca Leon, MHC-LP

The term gaslighting has become increasingly relevant in recent years. In our last blog post, we discussed the definition of gaslighting and various ways to identify psychological manipulation. However, one element of gaslighting that requires further exploration is racial gaslighting. In a society plagued by deep-rooted racial inequalities and injustices, BIPOC and other marginalized individuals often find themselves navigating a complex web of experiences that go beyond overt acts of discrimination. Racial gaslighting is a harmful phenomenon that operates within this framework, subtly undermining the experiences, emotions, and realities of racial minorities. But what is racial gaslighting, and how does it impact people from marginalized communities?

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation used to make a person doubt their perception of reality. Similarly, racial gaslighting involves the invalidation, denial, or manipulation of a person's experiences, feelings, or observations related to racism and racial inequalities. Racial gaslighting can be intentional or unintentional, but regardless of the intent, the impact can cause both mental and emotional harm (Strong, 2022).

Racial gaslighting can manifest in various ways, including:

1. Denial of Racism: People of Color are often told that their experiences of racism are imagined or exaggerated, leading them to doubt their own lived realities. A person in denial of racism may refuse to take responsibility for their actions by pretending to forget what happened or blaming their behavior on someone else (Huizen, 2022). This form of gaslighting may also dismiss the systemic and structural nature of racism. For example, a person who dismisses racism in response to the complaint of a BIPOC or marginalized individual may say, “stop playing the race card” or “it has nothing to do with race, I don’t see color” (Strong, 2022).

2. Trivializing Racism: This occurs when a person belittles or disregards the victim's feelings. They may accuse the victim of being too sensitive or overacting in response to their concerns. A person who is trivializing racism may say, “don’t be so sensitive,” or “it was just a joke” (Strong, 2022).

3. Reverse Victimization: Racial gaslighting sometimes occurs when individuals from privileged backgrounds claim to be victims of racism in response to conversations about racial inequality. This diversionary tactic aims to invalidate the experiences and concerns of marginalized communities. An example of reverse victimization is the “All Lives Matter'' movement. People who say “all lives matter '' as a counter response to Black Lives Matter attempt to dismiss racism, saying that all lives are equal and yet refusing to acknowledge the systematic violence perpetrated against Black people in the US (Strong, 2022). This strategy aims to invalidate the experiences of BIPOC individuals by claiming that the Black Lives Matter movement excludes people who aren’t Black. This claim, of course, is not true, and it is a form of racial gaslighting.

Racial gaslighting takes a significant toll on individuals and communities, perpetuating the cycle of oppression. This harmful behavior can negatively affect marginalized individuals’ physical and mental health, causing them to question their sense of identity, safety, and self-worth (Strong, 2022). Potential consequences may include:

1. Emotional Distress: Constantly having one's experiences and emotions invalidated can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. A 2019 review found that microaggressions were associated with feelings of confusion, anger, anxiety, helplessness, hopelessness, frustration, paranoia, and fear (Strong, 2022). Additionally, the emotional toll of racial gaslighting can often be compounded by the broader racial injustices that individuals face. Racial gaslighting reinforces systemic racism, perpetuating racial trauma that can lead to long-term effects on mental health (Strong, 2022).

2. Suppression of Voices: Gaslighting stifles the voices and experiences of racial minorities, making it harder for them to share their stories, contribute to discussions, and advocate for change. This further marginalizes and disempowers already marginalized communities. As we know, gaslighting is used to keep victims isolated so perpetrators can exert more control. When racial gaslighters suppress the voices of People of Color, it gives more power to white supremacy, which can fuel and reinforce systemic racism (Strong, 2022).

3. Erosion of Trust: Racial gaslighting undermines trust between individuals and communities. It creates a hostile environment where people are reluctant to engage in meaningful conversations about racism, hindering progress toward racial equity. Racial gaslighting can also cause self-doubt among victims, causing them to find it more difficult to recognize instances of racism in the future (Strong, 2022).

Combating racial gaslighting requires a collective effort to foster understanding, empathy, and change. Although racial gaslighting is part of a larger systematic issue, there are small steps we can all take to make a difference and promote positive behaviors. Consider the following ways to promote change:

1. Amplify Marginalized Voices: Actively listen to and uplift the experiences and perspectives of BIPOC and other marginalized individuals. Believe their stories and validate their emotions, creating spaces that foster empathy and understanding. It’s important not to speak for others or tell people how they should or shouldn’t feel. An essential first step in eradicating racial gaslighting is believing and taking time to understand the lived experiences of People of Color (Strong, 2022).

2. Take Responsibility: Everybody makes mistakes from time to time. In cases of racial gaslighting, the best thing to do is acknowledge your behavior, take responsibility for it, and apologize (Strong, 2022). Although it may be uncomfortable to accept and admit to an act of racial gaslighting, it's important to take accountability.

3. Educate Ourselves: Engage in self-education to better understand the historical and systemic roots of racism. Recognize how racial gaslighting functions within these structures and take time to challenge your biases. The following link by Equity Toolkit offers excellent resources to expand education on racial equity.

4. Cultivate Safe Spaces: Create environments where open and honest conversations about race can occur without fear of judgment or gaslighting. Encourage respectful dialogue and empathy to promote healing and understanding. Additionally, consider getting involved in initiatives that tackle racial gaslighting and discrimination. For example, consider joining a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee or council at your school or workplace (Strong, 2022).

Racial gaslighting perpetuates the silencing and oppression of marginalized communities, making it essential to recognize, challenge, and dismantle this harmful behavior. By amplifying marginalized voices, educating ourselves, and cultivating safe spaces, we can foster a better sense of understanding and empathy for the experiences of BIPOC and other marginalized communities. If you have experienced racial gaslighting, take care of yourself and prioritize your mental health. Take time to process your feelings, remind yourself of the facts, and seek emotional support from trusted loved ones or a therapist (Strong, 2022). Remember that you don't need to go through it alone!

Sources:

Huizen, J. (2022). What is Gaslighting? MedicalNewsToday.

Strong, R. (2022). How to Recognize and Respond to Racial Gaslighting. Healthline.