Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome

Did you know that Post-traumatic Slave Syndrome is a condition that many people of Color are afflicted with? So, when we have dialogues around systemic racism, oppression, and historical trauma, we should not overlook Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS). The term draws parallels to the more widely recognized Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSS), and treats the lasting effects of slavery on generations of African descendants. PTSS challenges the belief that slavery is a relic of the past, irrelevant to today's society, and was a teaching tool, by highlighting how the trauma endured by enslaved people continues to impact their descendants. 

Many people react to the notion of PTSS with skepticism, and often dismiss it as an excuse for current societal issues or as a way to place blame on history, or as a way to continue to ignore the clear and present danger that is in front of them. These reactions, however, show varying levels of understanding and emotional engagement with the topic. Often, this is dependent of course on one's self-identity and personal experiences. For people of Color - those who acknowledge PTSS - PTSS can resonate on a deeply personal level, contrasting with those who approach the subject from a purely intellectual standpoint.

I invite us to be curious about the resistance to acknowledging the legacy of slavery. I find the resistance particularly intriguing and deserving of examination. From conversations that I have been a part of, listened to, and overheard, the reluctance often stems from a deep-seated desire to maintain a sanitized version of history that aligns with comfortable paradigms about progress and morality. However! When we look at how other historical traumas, such as the Jewish holocaust, are recognized, addressed and protected, it becomes evident that the African experience with slavery has been consistently and intentionally underacknowledged, impeding collective healing and understanding. Why??

Intergenerational trauma is not unique to any one group. It suggests that the effects of trauma are not confined to those who directly experienced it but can ripple through subsequent generations. Trauma changes us! It is crucial that we understand there is a persistent impact of slavery on African descendants today and that the ongoing consequences of this trauma necessitate a broader dialogue and a collective approach to healing, where society as a whole acknowledges its shared history and the lasting effects of that history.

One cannot overlook the discomfort that arises when addressing the enduring impacts of slavery. This discomfort often fuels resistance to education on the subject, as confronting the unpleasant truths of our collective past is a necessary but challenging process. Yet, this education is essential for fostering empathy and promoting social cohesion. Without it, the cycles of trauma will continue to adversely affect communities, and perpetuate behavioral patterns rooted in the unresolved pain of historical injustices. Bandaids of "I'm sorry" or "My parents did not own slaves" do not heal traumas. 

The denial and rationalization of historical atrocities have deep psychological implications. Think about the case of Richard Oswald, a wealthy trader who made his fortune in the slave trade. Despite the evil roots of his wealth, history has often tidied up and sanitized his legacy. He is portrayed as a 'diplomat'. Doesn't that blast it all?! This sanitization is not singular. It extends to institutions like the Church of England, which blessed slave ships, and individuals like John Newton, who penned "Amazing Grace" after viewing enslaved people as subhuman. What in the name of 'Let my people go' is this wickedness? As an aside, the tune to "Amazing Grace" was stolen from the hulls of a slave ship as the enslaved hummed their hope of freedom. Denial is a....

The denial is a form of cognitive dissonance, where people and societies reconcile their beliefs with actions that contradict their moral framework. To maintain the slave trade, people convinced themselves that dehumanizing others was justifiable, resulting in long-lasting psychological impacts that continue to shape society. And, of course, somehow, they made God approve it. 

The legacy of slavery and all the narratives that have been constructed to justify it have left deep scars on the psyche of African descendants. These narratives, rooted in the pseudoscientific classifications of race by figures like Carl Linnaeus and Johann Friedrich Blumenbach, have perpetuated harmful stereotypes and justified unspeakable acts. By the way, the concept of race is a social construct with no scientific basis. Yet it has been used to legitimize systemic oppression and maintain power structures.

People like the founding of the United States demonstrated dire contradictions between their so-called Christian beliefs and their devilish actions. Jefferson's perpetuation of myths about African descendant in the US such as the notion that they required less sleep, served to justify the exploitation of enslaved people. Consequently, this nonsense has become deeply ingrained in society, inflicting lasting wounds on generations of Black people, who have been forced to overcompensate and prove their worth in a society that devalues their humanity. My back hurts from the burden of it all. 

The cruelty is everywhere. J. Marion Sims, known as the father of modern gynecology, conducted experiments on enslaved women without anesthesia, arguing that their race made them more resilient to pain. To date, racial biases continue to affect the quality of care that people of Color have access to or receive.

The harsh truth is that the historical injustices are not confined to the past. They have a direct impact on the present and are clearly present in the structures of the day. They are part of the DNA of America. The criminalization of Black people, feeds the frenzy of unreasonable fear of us. The fear feeds the pre-existing prejudice that continues to dehumanize and marginalize us. If you think for a moment that the fear and prejudice are abstracts, then think again. Try going to the bank for a loan in my skin. Try being stopped by the police in my skin. Try walking into one of the so-called 'high-end' stores in my skin. Just try living in my skin. 

Lord, the triggers are ever present. They stem from both overt and covert racism, and they often manifest in interactions that many would consider routine. For instance, microaggressions—those small, seemingly harmless comments or actions that subtly reinforce stereotypes—can serve as powerful triggers. Statements like “You’re so articulate” or questions about where someone is "really from" are not innocent remarks. They echo the history of belittling and othering of Black people, reminding us of a time when we were not seen as fully human.

Added to that, is the denial of access to resources such as healthcare,  housing (red-lining), and educational opportunities because of racial bias. When Black people are denied the dignity of adequate medical care, as was the case with J. Marion Sims' experiments, or when they are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement, it reinforces a long-standing system of control and oppression. The sight of a uniformed law enforcement is enough to make some of us stutter and sweat. 

Media portrayal is another powerful trigger. Watching Black people constantly depicted as criminals or victims, while the positive contributions of our communities are downplayed or ignored, can evoke feelings of helplessness, anger, and frustration. These portrayals are damaging and they reiterate the same stereotypes that justified centuries of violence and subjugation. 

The institutional refusal to acknowledge or rectify these everyday inequities keeps the cycle of trauma alive. Whether it's being followed in a store or denied a job because of a "Black-sounding" name, and a refusal to try to pronounce said "Black-sounding names." Enslaved people were forced to change their children's names to avoid them having the same names as those of their enslavers' children even if the enslavers' children came after. Our names are meant to be pronounced - not necessarily popularized. such instances are moments of frustration and echoes of a past that is still very haunting. The layers of this trauma, passed down through generations, reveal just how deeply PTSS affects individuals and communities today.

So, understanding the deep roots of racial injustice requires confronting the uncomfortable truths of this nation's history. It is not enough to acknowledge the overt acts of violence; we must also address the underlying beliefs that have justified such violence and continue to perpetuate them. 

I will talk about the Caribbean perspective in another post. Stay tuned. Subscribe, share, like, follow...whatever it is that you're supposed to do, to know when I post again. Oh! And say something in the comments. This is real talk. 

#ptss #history #trauma #slavery #freedom #civilrights