Even their soul is defective
In this peer commentary target article, Kwame Owusu-Bempah and Dennis Howitt argue that psychology perpetuates racism — in particular, by contributing to the myth of black self-hatred.
18 March 2000
THIRTY years ago, psychologists, sociologists and other social scientists were publicly charged by UNESCO with the responsibility for tackling racism at its very root (UNESCO, 1967). Since then, numerous groups and individuals have added their voices to this challenge; many continue to renew this call (e.g. Akin-Ogundeji, 1991; Howitt & Owusu-Bempah, 1994). Nevertheless, psychology continues to play its part in supporting racism rather than seeking to undermine it. Psychologists continue to reify and amplify racism not just within the discipline and the profession, but universally.
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