RACISM

Why You Should Stop Accusing Black People of Having a Victim Mentality

The language we use to talk about racism matters

A man sitting on suitcases near a woman | Photo by Nicole Berro

One of the most common tropes about Black Americans is that they have a "victim mentality." Of course, this phrase usually arises as a snarky response to a Black person speaking about the injustices they've endured, a way of silencing them, belittling, or minimizing their experience. No one wants to be accused of having a victim mentality, blaming others, and never taking accountability for their actions, which is why this trope is such an effective tool in the racists' toolkit. This response is designed to make someone question themselves and shy away from the discussion. However, this trope that suggests Black people have a victim mentality is a vicious lie repeated to obfuscate America's racial hierarchy and the racist policies and beliefs that keep it afloat.

This worldview, which assumes Black people see themselves as perpetual victims, is starved of sociological context. The legacy of chattel slavery can be seen in our systems and policies that, far too often, deprive Black Americans of fair treatment or access to equal opportunities. And yet, some people continue to repeat the narrative that Black people have a victim mentality instead of acknowledging that racism infringes…