The White Supremacist Within

Recent psychoanalytic literature gives closer scrutiny to how our institutes and practices mirror and reinforce racism in America. Current discourse has centered whiteness as the primary area of inquiry. However, little consideration is given to the ubiquity of hegemony, a requirement (for all) transmitted through our social institutions and families. How does the transmission of dominant cultural beliefs impact persons of color? How are these organizing principles of cultural norms internalized and embodied in the construction of racial identity?

This presentation explores the internalized white supremacist ideology of an African-American Analyst and its impact on the therapeutic relationship. Using clinical examples of a same race dyad and a different race dyad, the author examines racialized transference/countertransference dynamics, evoked defenses such as projection, denial and avoidance ,along with feelings of envy, shame and guilt.

The presenter will discuss additional thoughts on how rigidity in racial identity (as symptom of internalized dominant ideology) can create a therapeutic impasse and block further exploration of each participant’s subjectivity.  Her presentation wll be followed by a dialogue with Rossanna Echegoyen, LCSW as a lead into further conversation with audience members.

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