Internalized Racism

Both a type and byproduct of racism, internalized racism occurs when members of stigmatized racial groups accept negative messages about their own identity, value, limitations, human rights, and self-expression. Often manifests as embracing majority culture as superior, devaluating one’s own cultural heritage and identity, internalizing negative stereotypes, rejecting cultural rituals or practices, or prioritizing goals that privilege whiteness. In addition to the emotional and psychological toll due to internalized racism, there is increasing research on the detrimental impact on the health and wellness of BIPOC. For example, various studies have identified a correlation between higher levels of internalized racism and obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.