Is It Imposter Syndrome or Systemic Oppression? (Patreon)

By Sam (@StuffFromSam)

BIPOC mistakenly believe they suffer from imposter syndrome, unaware of their own competence. But it's the opposite; they're ACUTELY aware of their rejection from white society. Most of Western psychology misdiagnoses BIPOC, but also women and LGBTQx.

Some people are introverted, but for me, I just don't feel comfortable in a white world and their individualism. For others, imposter syndrome and introversion can be symptoms of patriarchy, being poor, or a combination.

These diagnoses assume the world is just and neutral, and it is ME who needs fixing. If you're rich, white, and male, I'd agree with that.

This misdiagnosis is bad for women and, in particular, women of color:

"Psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes developed the concept, originally termed 'imposter phenomenon,' in their 1978 founding study, which focused on high-achieving women. They posited that 'despite outstanding academic and professional accomplishments, women who experience the imposter phenomenon persist in believing that they are really not bright and have fooled anyone who thinks otherwise.' Their findings spurred decades of thought leadership, programs, and initiatives to address imposter syndrome in women." ... 

"The impact of systemic racism, classism, xenophobia, and other biases was categorically absent when the concept of imposter syndrome was developed. Many groups were excluded from the study, namely women of color and people of various income levels, genders, and professional backgrounds. Even as we know it today, imposter syndrome puts the blame on individuals, without accounting for the historical and cultural contexts that are foundational to how it manifests in both women of color and white women. Imposter syndrome directs our view toward fixing women at work instead of fixing the places where women work."

Maybe it's not you. Maybe the rich white male hegemonic framework just doesn't work for you.