How to Use Mind Games of White Supremacy to Teach Abrahamic Religions

The Mind Games of White Supremacy: Abrahamic Religions, Black Mental Slavery, and the Erasure of Cultural Identity

Hey there, amazing readers! Today, let's dive into a topic that's all about celebrating diversity, being kind, and understanding each other. We'll explore how religious figures, like Jesus and Muhammad, don't just have one skin color; they're beautifully depicted in various ways around the world.

You know, it's totally okay if you're feeling down sometimes. Many people, especially those with different skin colors, might feel a bit more stressed due to unfair things like racism and past struggles. But guess what? We're on a mission to change that!

Imagine this: some artworks show Jesus and Muhammad as white, but did you know that they're also shown in other colors like Black, Asian, and Middle Eastern? It's like a big rainbow of beliefs and cultures coming together. This is a step toward understanding each other better.

Now, when it comes to feeling happy and good about ourselves, it's not just about how religious figures are shown. There are other things, like racism and discrimination, that can affect our mental health. But don't worry, many people are working to fix these problems and make the world a fairer place for everyone.

Did you know there's a cool painting with a Black Madonna and a Black baby Jesus at a hospital? An amazing artist from Nigeria made it! This shows how some places are trying to make religious figures look like the people they help. It's all about spreading love and understanding.

When we talk about religions like Christianity and Islam, they're all about guiding us to be better people. But sometimes, the way certain figures are portrayed as white can make some folks feel like they're not as important. That's not true at all! We're all equal and special, no matter what we look like.

Hold on, there's more to this story! A study said that many people in Africa follow Christianity and Islam, but sometimes, their own identities are not shown as much. That's something we can change by learning and sharing different perspectives.

Now, let's talk about something called the "white savior complex." It's like in movies where a white character saves people of color. This idea can make us think that one group is better than the other, and that's just not cool. We're all heroes in our own ways!

And guess what? Some organizations show sad pictures of African kids to get money, but that's not fair. It's time for us to help each other without making anyone feel bad. We can work together to make the world a better place.

Traveling to Africa opened my eyes to something called "colorism." It's when people are treated differently based on their skin color. Let's remember that every skin color is beautiful and valuable.

When we watch movies or shows where white characters save the day, it's important to think about what that's teaching us. We can enjoy stories, but also understand that they might not always show the true picture.

Let's promise to learn about different cultures, ask questions, and stand up for what's right. We want a world where everyone feels good about themselves, and that starts with us!

We're like superheroes of change, fighting for a world where everyone is equal, valued, and happy. Remember, you're never alone in this journey, and we can create a future full of kindness, respect, and love. So, keep shining your light, amazing readers!

References:

  • “The Vatican unveils a painting of a Black Madonna and Child by artist Kehinde Wiley.” CNN, 6 January 2019, https://www.cnn.com/style/article/kehinde-wiley-vatican-painting-intl/index.html. Accessed 7 March 2023.
  • Pew Research Center. (2019). Religion in Africa. Retrieved from https://www.pewforum.org/2019/04/15/religion-in-africa/
  • Christian, M. (2017). White Jesus: The Archetype for the Black Mind. Journal of Black Psychology, 43(5), 470–487. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095798416657260
  • Chekroud, A. M., Zotti, R. J., Shehzad, Z., Gueorguieva, R., Johnson, M. K., Trivedi, M. H., … Krystal, J. H. (2016). Cross-cultural differences in symptom expression: A comparison of U.S. and Egyptian patients with major depressive disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 196, 104–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.02.003
  • Bulhan, H. A. (1985). Frantz Fanon and the psychology of oppression. New York: Plenum Press.
  • Crenshaw, K. W. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A Black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 139–167.
  • Hook, D. (2014). Critical psychology. In Encyclopedia of critical psychology (pp. 446–455). Springer.


The Power of Allyship: Recognising and Addressing Childhood Trauma in the Workplace
In today's diverse and ever-evolving workplace, understanding the enormous effects of intergenerational, historical,
Exploring the Healing Potential of Cultural Consciousness.A Therapist’s perspective
I have personally experienced the transformational power of cultural consciousness in therapy
“Empowering Minds: Unveiling Cultural Resilience and Mental Health Transformation”
Resilient Transformation: Unleashing the Power of "White Talking Therapy Can’t Think in Black!"I'm Jarell Bempong, and I'm about to take you on a transformative journey that weaves together personal growth, cultural insight, and a compelling call to action. Imagine standing beside me amidst the captivating and ancient funeral rituals of the Ashante-Akim in Oda, a… Read More »“Empowering Minds: Unveiling Cultural Resilience and Mental Health Transformation”
Empowerment and Healing: A Black Therapist’s Revolution in Mental Health
Being a Black man and entering the field of therapy was a significant step for me. Let's go back to my very first session

Have questions?

020 3059 9459