Real vs 'fake' racism: Clinical psychologist delves into the complexities of racism

John Maytham interviews Dr Sorayah Nair, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Business Health Solutions.

Listen below.

Real vs. "fake" racism – How should we distinguish genuine systemic racism from overblown or baseless accusations?

According to Nair, the short answer is "with great difficulty."

She argues that while racism remains pervasive in society, it is not always easily identifiable, and its impact varies widely across different groups.

Those who have experienced racism firsthand are often better equipped to recognise instances of marginalisation, as they have lived through its effects.

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However, as Nair highlights, for many white individuals, understanding or recognising their own complicity in racist systems or identifying acts of racism can be challenging.

This difficulty arises from a lack of personal experience with the issue, which can make it harder for them to empathise with or fully comprehend the realities of racial discrimination. 

"As much as there's been findings to suggest that certain behaviour has in fact not been racist, others would argue that it depends who you are."

- Dr Sorayah Nair, Clinical Psychologist and Founder – Business Health Solutions 

Nair explains that a significant part of the problem is that, as a society, we have not engaged in honest and open conversations about racism or fully examined how deeply certain images, ideas, and stereotypes have been internalised.

She points out that without these crucial discussions, it is inevitable that many white individuals remain unaware of the racist remarks and actions they may unknowingly perpetuate.

Maytham reflects on a piece of literature he has read, which suggests that when a white person is called out for racist behaviour or remarks, it is not their place to deny the accusation.

Instead, they should seek to understand why their actions or comments made a person of colour feel that way.

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Nair agrees that this should be the universal response.

However, she notes that very few people are able to adopt this approach, often becoming defensive instead.

"Immediately, when somebody says you're being racist, the immediate defense of the psyche is to protect the self from an injury."

- Dr Sorayah Nair, Clinical Psychologist and Founder – Business Health Solutions 

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