The Work of Overcoming Racism/White Supremacy.

Ronald E Hopson

International journal of group psychotherapy 2023 Oct

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Utilizing the work of Wilfred Bion, Harry Stack Sullivan, and other theorists and practitioners, as well as philosophers and students of race in America, this article argues that racism/white supremacy sabotages our work, and yet is fundamental to our way of doing, being, and thinking in our society. As a result of the centrality of racism/white supremacy, the author lays out four challenges which, if met, will aid in overcoming racism/white supremacy: (a) the first challenge of denial, (b) the second challenge of impaired empathy (and the failure to think), (c) the experience of shame, and (d) the denial of death. The article discusses each of these and concludes with a word on the possibility of passion-if we are able to overcome racism/white supremacy.