The Psychology of African-American Success

[AKA2D '91]

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The Psychology of African-American Success
The Internal Dialogue
by Linda Anderson, Ph.D. and Lisa Whitten, Ph.D.
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"There is in this world, no such force as the force of a {wo}man determined to rise."
-W.E.B.DuBois (1910)


Celebrating our hard won success means more than examining the role that racism and prejudice continue to play. Activists like Fannie Lou Hammer, Malcolm X, Mary McLeod Bethune, A. Phillip Randolph, and our own family members and church leaders continue to fight these forces. In addition, we need to acknowledge the battles raging within ourselves in order to create the self-affirming, self-defining statements necessary to combat the internal barriers that can prevent us from realizing our dreams. After all, as African American psychologists, we ourselves have had our personal share of self-doubt, uncertainty about the future, ambivalence, and anger about being strivers in an environment which often questions our very existence, intellectual competence, and authority. Furthermore, we hear similar statements from college students and from young professionals in our private practices. They seem to be searching for answers, for private truths that will yield emotional, spiritual and financial prosperity. For example, we hear statements like:

"If I appear too successful, others will attempt to bring me down . . ."

"This is not the real me in the suit and tie, it is only a mask I am wearing. . ."

These deeply held feelings are revealed in confidence and generally after we know the sisters and brothers for a while. We know many of them are looking to us not only for understanding, but also to sort through their feelings and thoughts about the often complicated issues associated with their changing upwardly mobile status. Kathleen White, Ph.D. a New York psychoanalyst refers to it as "social class change anxiety."

What is the imposter syndrome? How does it rob certain individuals of experiencing the pleasure and gratification associated with their achievements? How does "survival conflict," a concept researched by Lisa Whitten, Ph.D. one of the authors, manifest itself in potential high achievers? How can the "pressure to conform" by family and neighborhood culture, maintain status quo behavior and diminish creative potential. In what ways to fears, such as the fear of envy, competition, selling out, exercising authority, being visible and being revealed as an imposter inhibit optimal performance and growth?

We have found that, if the negative self-statements are not acknowledged, understood or resolved, they can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors and attitudes. These behaviors and attitudes are usually out of our awareness. Moreover, some of the negative self-statements appear perfectly rational and reasonable because they are sometimes reflected in the folk wisdom of our communities. These notions are often unquestioned and therefore accepted by many people. For example, John Ogbu, Ph.D. an anthropologist has studied barriers to achievement motivation among African American high school students, pointing to the perception that students who are "smart" are "acting white" or "think they are white."

This article explores the inner dialogue, which can assist you in moving from self-defeating thoughts to proactive self-affirming ones. This can have a tremendously positive impact on an individual's productivity, identity and self-esteem. Some of the themes which our students and clients have discussed are highlighted below.

Fear of selling out

Jerome, a 22-year-old junior account executive at a major accounting firm is concerned about being seen after work for happy hour with his white colleagues. He doesn't want to be mislabeled as a "wannabe." Sometimes, he also notices that he sounds a lot like his white counterparts, especially when he's at work, and this worries him.

Self-defeating attitude: If I reveal my desire to advance my family or friends, seek promotion, enhance my credentials, or attain the highest degree in my field, I will be criticized as "too uppity," "too white," or a "wannabe." I will be excluded from events my family and friends are having and told that I no longer belong, because I "act white, talk like I'm white, or think I'm white." These are situations that I must avoid at all costs, so I'd better just "stick with my own kind."

Self-affirming attitude: I am proud of my accomplishments because I have worked hard to achieve my goals. I will never forget the role my family a, friends and ancestors have played in motivating me. Yes, my language, style of dress and some of my values have changed as a result of my education, but I am essentially the same person, and I will never forget my roots, and the community from which I come. I accept the fact that I will identify others along the way who want to help me succeed and I will accept their help regardless of their race or culture.

Fear of Envy

Keisha, age 22, confided that she never disclosed her excellent grades or any specific information about her applications to the top law schools to her crew. She said that she felt like she had to keep her success and ambition quietly hidden, in order to protect her "rep" on campus as a "fly girl." She's always been uncomfortable about the envy she elicits from the sisters she hangs out with.

Self-defeating attitude: If I disclose too much information about my successes or ambitions to my family or friends, as well as my excitement about my intellectual/career growth, folks will resent me and try to "bring me down like crabs in a barrel."

Self-affirming attitude: I want to share my success with those who care about me. Just as I want others I care about to share their successes with me. I will have to make healthy choices about with whom I share my accomplishments. In addition, I am sensitive enough to discuss my achievements in ways that preserve the self-esteem of my friends and family who have accomplished less than I have, or who may feel competitive and/or belittled by my accomplishments. I understand that success is relative and defined in many different ways. While I may be successful in many areas, others will shine in ways I will not.

Fear of exercising my authority

Stephanie is a 26-year-old, who just started teaching at a prestigious private elementary school. She was confronted by an irate mother who disagreed with her assessment of her child's performance. Stephanie had difficulty standing her ground, even though she had plenty of evidence and knew her assessment was accurate. She wanted the parent to like her and to approve of her as a Black professional, so she withdrew the report, even though it would be better for the student to have the assessment at that time.

Self-defeating attitude: No one will take me seriously because I am viewed by others as young, Black and inexperienced. Therefore, I cannot distinguish myself in the eyes of others, cannot assert myself as a leader, and I will not be respected in the workplace.

Self-affirming attitude: Regardless of whether others immediately recognize my authority and competency, I am well prepared and capable of communicating my abilities and talents to others. When I find I need to strengthen my skills, I will seek the advice of a mentor as well as training opportunity to enhance my professional development, or ask directly for organizational support when needed.

Fear of being revealed as an imposter

Keyshon, age 18, entered his elite college freshman orientation with bravado. He was too cool! Secretly, however, he knew he didn't fit in, and didn't really belong. At any moment, he expected someone to tell him to get his bags, get on the bus and return to his old neighborhood.

Self-defeating attitude: This is only a game I am playing to "get over." Deep down, I don't really belong here. One day, the mask will come off and I will be "found out" and rejected. He's also thinking "what am I doing here with all these white people and rich Black people? I have nothing in common with any of these people!"

Self-affirming attitude: It is understandable that I might feel this way in a new environment. I accept and embrace my changing role, status and privileges associated with my success. I recognize the complexity of living as a culturally conscious African American in a racist society. I understand how my individual success is also a reflection of the collective struggle of my ancestors, and that as a result, I am poised for success, whatever door I choose to enter. I will leave my own legacy (and inheritance) behind for those who follow me. By remaining intimately connected to my culture, I can fashion a way of functioning in this environment that is productive, adaptive and gratifying.

Fear of competition

Trevor, a 21-year-old, has a 3.5 grade point average, and is 6 credits short of his B.A. in psychology. He dropped out of school, ostensibly because he had so many bills to pay, and needed to work two jobs. He would be the first in his family to graduate from college, and has been encouraged by his professors pursue a graduate degree. He's afraid that even if he did well in college, he just doesn't have what it takes to pull off a graduate degree and take out even more financial aid, so its not worth trying, and its not worth getting the B.A. His two jobs are "good enough for him."

Self-defeating attitude: Going to graduate school will only drain my resources for an uncertain future. Competing in the professional marketplace is intended for the "cream of the crop," not for me.

Self-affirming attitude: If I win and achieve great success, I will remember not only to enjoy my success, but also to understand that others will be proud of me. Investing in the future requires patience, sacrifice and commitment, but will pay off in the end. Healthy competition means that I am challenging myself to make my dreams into reality. I cannot hurt others by moving ahead. I will also enjoy serving as a role model and mentor to others.

Fear of "being too visible" (fear of looking and being looked at, seeing and being seen):

Clarice, age 33, has just been promoted to marketing manager in a Madison Ave. advertising agency. While others are encouraging her to celebrate her success, she states that she just wants to go into her office, close the door, and get her work done. While she is expected to attend public relations events, appear on television, make presentations to upper level divisions, (which means upgrading her wardrobe), and do more traveling, she prefers to delegate these tasks to her ambitious assistant, who is more than thrilled to accommodate her.

Self-defeating attitude: If I remain as quiet and invisible as possible, I won't have to let others know the fear, hurt, anger and loneliness I really feel.

Self-affirming attitude: Even though I may be shy, I will try to let others know something about me. Suffering in silence will only make me feel more isolated. I will need to focus on relaxation and enjoying my hard won success. Changing with my new position may involve learning how to identify and express my uniqueness in a way that works for me. If others notice me, maybe they will really like my emerging social self. I need to remember, it is not only hard work that is valued, but the ability to interact in a productive and engaging way.

Perhaps you recognize yourself in some of these vignettes. Many of you have already started the difficult work of enhancing your insight regarding your profile of your strengths and weaknesses. Continue your journey towards greater self-understanding through journal writing, reading, prayer, discussions with trusted friends and family, and by seeking assistance from mental health professionals. The Association of Black Psychologists, Inc., is a great source of referrals.* Contact us at 202-722-0808 or http://www.apbsi.org. Own and celebrate your success! You earned it!

-From the Black Collegian Online