Racism and emotions In most literature racism is related to knowledge, norms and power. It is undoubtedly that, while counteracting racism, we should know what it is, what the norms at international and local level supporting antiracist narratives and actions are, and what the power relations in action in the specific situation are. We should also remember the formula analysed in the chapter about racism and power, that defines racism as = prejudice + power, pointing out that racism is a structural phenomenon in all our societies. But, is it enough to analyse a complex phenomenon such as racism and to counteract it? We do believe that it is essential to consider also the links between emotions and racism in order to have a clearer picture of the phenomenon and to be able to identify better roots and consequences of racial discrimination actions. Especially when counteracting racism, we need to be aware of the fact that this phenomenon is engaging not only our thoughts and reasonings but also our conscious or unconscious emotions as individuals and as persons belonging to a group. As Janine Young Kim says, in “Racial emotions and the feeling of equality�:
Emotion is often taken to be irrational and unruly, and therefore counterproductive to serious discussion. Indeed, one might venture to suggest that the emotionality of race is at least part of the reason why people avoid talking about it. In light of such constraints, discourses in the public sphere about pressing values such as equality are likely to become abstract and detached, driving the more particular, emotionally charged idea of racial equality into private realms or, worse, oblivion. Perhaps confronting the emotions of race will not only be good for the psyche but may also help to revitalize the public discourse on racial equality.
Constellations . A manual for working with young people on the topic of racism and invisible racism
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