What is Internalized Dominance?
There are a lot of discussions these days about the importance of inclusion and diversity in the workplace. But what about internalized dominance?
A white chess piece standing alone and center.Internalized dominance is a term used to describe how people internalize the values and beliefs of white supremacy.
It is a complex phenomenon that can be difficult to understand fully.
It also harms white people as well as racial and ethnic minorities. Internalized dominance can lead to guilt, shame, and insecurity. For marginalized communities, it can lead to even more discrimination and violence.
It happens when people who benefit from racism believe and accept the false idea that they are superior.
This false belief then justifies racism, discrimination, and other oppressive behaviors.
White people can internalize racist beliefs and values, leading to a sense of entitlement and superiority. When the values of white goodness are challenged, people may react in many ways. Such reactions include but are not limited to acts of violence.
White people are not the only ones subject to internalized dominance.
When marginalized individuals internalize dominance, it can lead to feelings of inferiority, self-hatred, and a desire to be white. The effects of internalized dominance are far-reaching and can be damaging to both individuals and society as a whole.
In this post, we will examine internalized dominance, identify its signs in people, and offer solutions to help combat it.
It is important to note that people do not simply possess or lack internalized dominance.
Instead, this can be a complex and nuanced concept that varies from person to person. An individual may exhibit internalized dominance in some situations but not in others. The factors contributing to internalized dominance development include cultural, societal, and personal influences.
As you read on, it is vital to approach this concept with an open mind. Only then can you find an appreciation for its complexity and variability.
Why Talk About It?
It is crucial to be aware of the signs to recognize them in yourself and others. Through education, critical self-reflection, and allyship, we can begin dismantling the oppressive systems that lead to internalized dominance.
How Does Internalized Dominance Manifest?
One way to think about it is as a process where individuals internalize the values and beliefs of the dominant culture.
Often, it happens without even realizing it. The dominant white culture has operated and controlled our institutions and media. Racial and ethnic minority groups can’t avoid being influenced by whiteness.
Internalizing the values and beliefs of a dominant culture can manifest in several ways. One example is the adoption of dress and behavior associated with the dominant group. This is because internalized dominance can lead to feelings of inferiority or inadequacy due to one’s ethnic expression.
When white people have internalized dominance, they may behave in various ways. Internalized dominance is how dominant group members accept and believe in the dominance hierarchy. These beliefs can exist whether one is conscious of it or not. Some may feel entitled to certain privileges or lack empathy towards historically marginalized groups..
Members of the dominant group may perpetuate harmful stereotypes or engage in microaggressions, even if they do not intend to.
The most common way internalized dominance gets perpetuated is by believing that people of color are inferior to whites. This belief gets reinforced through hand-picked crime statistics without any context. This repetition serves to establish white supremacy as fact, even if unconsciously.
The impact of this belief is significant. It reinforces negative stereotypes. It also helps to justify policies and practices that disproportionately harm people of color. These policies include harsher sentencing guidelines and increased surveillance in communities of color.
It is essential to recognize that these beliefs are not based in fact. The disparities that impact communities of color result from systemic issues. Today, people of color are disproportionately impacted by poverty, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, and over-policing. It was designed to be this way long ago.
It can also manifest in institutional policies and practices.
In politics, coded or suggestive language in political messaging is called dog whistle politics. This tactic garners support without provoking opposition or revealing true intent. An example of dog whistle politics is when politicians use terms such as “illegals” and “unAmerican.” This works to garner the support of like-minded people. Prejudice, discrimination, and violence are side effects of racist dog whistle politics.
Racist dog whistle politics in the 1980s and early 1990s significantly changed many programs and laws.
Politicians sought to appeal to white voters by using coded language reinforcing negative stereotypes about minority groups. Conservative politicians realized they did not need the votes of minority groups as long as they got the white vote.
This meant getting white Democrats to vote for their candidate instead. And it worked. This led to a shift in the political landscape. As a result, policies were implemented that disproportionately impacted people of color.
Harvey Atwater was an adviser to President Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. During an interview with political scientist Alexander P. Lamis, Atwater stated the following:
Y’all don’t quote me on this. You start out in 1954 by saying, “N*****, n*****, n*****”. By 1968, you can’t say “n*****”—that hurts you. Backfires. So you say stuff like forced busing, states’ rights and all that stuff. You’re getting so abstract now [that] you’re talking about cutting taxes, and all these things you’re talking about are totally economic things and a byproduct of them is [that] blacks get hurt worse than whites. And subconsciously maybe that is part of it. I’m not saying that. But I’m saying that if it is getting that abstract, and that coded, that we are doing away with the racial problem one way or the other. You follow me—because obviously sitting around saying, “We want to cut this”, is much more abstract than even the busing thing, and a hell of a lot more abstract than “N***** n*****”.
(Exclusive: Lee Atwater’s Infamous 1981 Interview on the Southern Strategy | the Nation, 2012)
The War on Drugs, for example, led to a sharp increase in incarcerated nonviolent offenders. Furthermore, programs that assisted low-income families, such as welfare and food stamps, were targeted for cuts and restrictions. This made it harder for vulnerable populations to access the resources they needed to survive.
The consequences of these changes are still being felt today. Marginalized communities continue to struggle to overcome the legacy of these policies and fight for a more equitable future.
Today, the use of detention centers to jail migrants and asylum seekers has been fueled by racist dog whistle politics.
This shocking and concerning trend has resulted in numerous negative consequences. First and foremost, the detention of children separated from their parents is a horrifying reality that must be addressed. The mental and emotional impact that this has on both the children and their families is immeasurable.
This trend puts historic legislation implemented to achieve racial equity on the line.
Considering these policies’ long-term effects and the message sent to future generations is crucial. A society that values human rights and equality must stand against these injustices.
How does Internalized Dominance Impact Members of the Dominant Group?
Internalized dominance can lead to several adverse outcomes for dominant group members, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Example: When individuals fail to achieve their vision, they may become depressed and resentful. They may blame others, particularly people of color, immigrants, and the government, for failing to recognize their unique qualities. This is due to a profoundly rooted belief in what white people should be. The concept of white people has been idealized to the point it has become the default way of thinking about oneself. The most common idealized images of white people are those of leadership roles and wealth accumulation.
In some cases, a false and temporary sense of superiority is achieved through expressing racist rhetoric publicly. As we’ve seen historically and presently, some will commit acts of hate against marginalized people and/or their communities. Entire subcultures form around the fear of whites being replaced by people of color.
Internalized dominance can also lead to less empathy for members of marginalized groups. Some may actively distance themselves from those groups.
It does not usually come in the form of aggression and violence.
This belief can be conscious or unconscious, leading white people to act in ways that reinforce racism without knowing it. For example, one may be more likely to move into a predominately white neighborhood. One might prefer to send their children to a predominantly white school.
The rebuttal is that all people prefer to live amongst people like themselves. While that may be true for some, it is not for all. Additionally, America’s towns are either predominantly white or diverse. Meaning that racial and ethnic minorities live closer in proximity to each other.
You might be inclined to believe that people of color self-segregate from white people. Even in cases where this is true, they are not isolating themselves from other minority groups.
What Are the Signs of Internalized Dominance in White People?
Some of the most common signs of internalized dominance are entitlement, feeling threatened by diversity, and the need for control.
One common manifestation of internalized dominance is a lack of understanding or acknowledgment of white privilege. This can be seen as a denial of the existence of white privilege or an unwillingness to acknowledge its impact.
Another manifestation of internalized dominance is a lack of understanding or acknowledgment of racism. This can be seen as a denial of the existence of racism. It includes an unwillingness to acknowledge its impact on the lives of racial and ethnic minority groups.
Dominant group members who internalize dominance may try to:
- Reinforce oppressive behavior.
- Deny the existence of oppression.
- Gaslight people who speak about their experiences with racism.
- Dismiss the experiences of people of color.
- Shame people who speak out against racism and bigotry.
- Make excuses for oppressive behavior.
- Distance themselves from people of color and other marginalized groups.
Internalized dominance is a form of racism that is often difficult to overcome.
It is wise to talk to someone if you suspect you may be experiencing internalized dominance. A counselor or therapist can help you work through these thoughts and feelings. You could also join a forum on social media where racial minorities and white allies speak openly on these matters.
What does Internalized Dominance Look Like in Marginalized Individuals?
It can manifest within marginalized individuals as believing one is innately inferior and undeserving. In turn, one can become unwilling to challenge the status quo.
It can also manifest as self-blame or a belief that conflicts are always one’s fault. Internalized Dominance can also lead to feelings of powerlessness or a desire to please others at all costs. Additionally, it can result in feelings of insecurity and/or resentment. For example, an individual may feel like they are not good enough or have to prove themselves to others.
Some even adopt the dominant group’s values, beliefs, and behaviors.
This can lead to decreased self-esteem, increased anxiety and depression, and a feeling of powerlessness.
Others can accept their subordinate status and resent those who achieve upward mobility.
By seeking out counseling or therapy, participating in supportive communities, and practicing self-care, individuals can begin to heal the damage that has been done and start living fuller, more connected lives.
The Impact on Marginalized Communities
Individuals from minority groups internalize dominance through socialization and exposure to the dominant group’s values and beliefs.
While internalized dominance is not always malicious, it is particularly detrimental to those outside of the dominant group. It can also make it harder to challenge oppression and fight for equality.
The effects of internalized dominance on racial and ethnic minority/minoritized groups can be profound. We live in a world that values whiteness above all. This reality poses challenges that can, and do, lead to feelings of inferiority, isolation, and despair. This can manifest in many ways, including mental health problems, self-destructive behaviors, and substance abuse.
How Can We Combat Internalized Dominance?
Recognizing and challenging these beliefs is essential to combat internalized dominance.
This can involve educating oneself on the root causes of disparities and working to dismantle systems of oppression. It also involves actively listening to the experiences and perspectives of racial and ethnic minority/minoritized groups rather than dismissing them.
Ultimately, combating internalized dominance requires a concerted effort.
It’s not easy, but it’s how we work to create a more just and equitable society. It’s how we create a world where individuals are valued and supported regardless of race or ethnic identity.
Here are Six Ways to Combat Internalized Dominance:
- Educate yourself and others about dominance, oppression, and power.
- Be aware of your privileges and how it affects your interactions with others.
- Listen to and believe people affected by racism and other forms of prejudice.
- Check your assumptions. When interacting with someone from a marginalized group, don’t assume they’re incapable or don’t know what they’re talking about.
- Support organizations and individuals working on challenging and ending dominance, oppression, and power.
- Speak out against instances of dominance, oppression, and power.
These suggestions are not directed at white people only.
Remember, racial and ethnic minorities hear the same messages about white supremacy. And they certainly are not immune to internalizing these messages. Recognizing that the pervasive messages of white supremacy can impact us all is crucial.
These messages are deeply embedded in our society. From media representations to institutional practices, and can unconsciously shape our beliefs and values.
It’s even present in our everyday language! That’s why It is essential to remain vigilant and actively work to challenge these harmful ideologies. Doing so can create a more equitable and just society where everyone is valued and respected.
Do you have any experiences with internalized dominance that you’d like to share? If so, please comment below!
It’s not easy to self-reflect and accept that you may have internalized the values of white supremacy. But the more we talk about it, the more awareness is spread.
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I do have experiences of internalized dominance in my life. When I was younger, I was working on a project about our country of origin. One of my classmates said he didn’t know what his country of origin was and I was shocked. I thought, “how could anyone not know where they are from?”. I couldn’t hide my shock and asked him, “how come you don’t know where you’re from?”. He looked at me and said, “My family line comes from slavery and we lost our country of origin.” I immediately knew my “white privilege” allowed me to know where my ancestors are from. My classmate didn’t have the same privilege.