Definitions by Racial Wellness

Racial Fear 

Racial fear is the irrational fear that Black, Indigenous, and people of color are dangerous. It often shows up as unpredictable and harmful reactions directed at communities of color. Racial fear actually endangers Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

Source: Racial Wellness, a book by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu Iyamah

When the white woman on the sidewalk clutched her purse as I walked passed, I knew she was exhibiting racial fear.

Racial Fear by Racial Wellness September 18, 2023

Racial Apathy 

Racial apathy is a form of emotional neglect toward Black, Indigenous, and people of color rooted in the biased belief that we do not feel pain. When people are viewed as "less human", it becomes easier to neglect their pain.

Source: Racial Wellness, by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu Iyamah

The way the media view wars, disasters, and viruses in predominantly white areas as more worthy of media coverage than those affecting areas where communities of color reside is a clear sign of racial apathy.

Racial Apathy by Racial Wellness September 18, 2023

Vicarious Racism 

Vicarious racism is when Black, Indigenous, and people of color witness other people in our communities experiencing racism, and we get secondary trauma from it. Vicarious racism can be triggered by observing racist incidents, learning about them, and in some cases, having to recount them.

Source: Racial Wellness, a book by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu Iyamah

The tactless posting of graphic videos and images of Black people being victims of racist attacks is a form of vicarious racism.

Vicarious Racism by Racial Wellness September 18, 2023

Racial Othering 

Racial othering is when white people are treated as the norm, while Black, Indigenous, and people of color are treated as “different.”It stems from a phenomenon called the white default, which defines white people as the standard for behavior, appearance, and culture.

Source: Racial Wellness, a book by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu Iyamah

It bothers me when people ask me "Where are you REALLY from?" It's a form of racial othering.

Racial Othering by Racial Wellness September 18, 2023

Racial Gaslighting 

Racial gaslighting is when Black, Indigenous, and people of color confront the ways they have experienced racism, and an individual, group, or institution (such as the media, legal system, or government) tries to make them doubt their experience, often to maintain control, avoid taking accountability, or conduct
normalized racial abuse.

Source: Racial Wellness, a book by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu Iyamah

Ella realized that when Bryan tried to deny her lived experiences with racism, he was subjecting her to racial gaslighting.

Racial Gaslighting by Racial Wellness September 18, 2023

Racial Violence

Racial violence in the form of harassment and assault is a type of abuse intended to threaten, injure, or end the lives of Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Racial violence typically shows up as verbal, physical, or property violence, as well as acts of terror toward communities of color.

Source: Racial Wellness, a book by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu Iyamah

The police brutality of Black people is a common form of racial violence.

Racial Violence by Racial Wellness September 18, 2023

Racial Inequity 

Racial inequity speaks to the unfair distribution of resources and opportunities between white people and Black, Indigenous, and people of color. It is caused by racist structures, policies, and practices that ensure that BIPOC experience disadvantages when it comes to education, employment, healthcare, housing, and more.

Source: Racial Wellness, a book by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu Iyamah

Banks perpetuate the racial inequity we see in society when they injustly deny Black people from getting mortgages and ultimately build generational wealth.

Racial Inequity by Racial Wellness September 18, 2023