Many people of color navigate a world where systemic oppression is a constant, subtle, and sometimes overt force. In response, they often develop coping strategies to endure and survive. While these methods may offer temporary relief or a sense of safety, they can have significant, long-term impacts on mental health. Understanding these deeply ingrained behaviors is crucial for recognizing the emotional weight they carry. Mental health professionals play a crucial role in this understanding and in providing support to individuals who may be struggling with these coping strategies.

"Playing It Cool" and "Uncle Tom Syndrome"

One common response to systemic pressure is 'playing it cool,' a well-researched strategy where an individual suppresses their true emotions. For instance, a person may appear calm and composed when faced with a discriminatory comment, but beneath this exterior, they are often bottling up feelings of frustration, sadness, or anger. This can be a conscious or subconscious effort to avoid confrontation, stereotypes, or being perceived as an 'angry person of color.' Similarly, 'Uncle Tom Syndrome' might lead a person to avoid expressing their true feelings in a situation where they feel their opinions might be seen as confrontational. These examples illustrate how these coping strategies can manifest in daily life. While it may seem like a temporary fix, holding onto these emotions can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression over time.

Another coping mechanism, sometimes referred to as "Uncle Tom Syndrome," involves a strategy of not "rocking the boat." This behavior, rooted in a survival instinct, is an effort to protect oneself or one's family by appearing non-threatening or docile. Historically, this has been a way for African Americans to navigate dangerous, oppressive environments. The constant need to repress one's authentic self or to be seen as a peacemaker can take a significant toll on one's mental well-being, leading to feelings of powerlessness and self-betrayal.

"Face Loss" and the Broader Cultural Context

These coping mechanisms are not unique to any single culture but are manifestations of how different communities deal with external pressures. For many in AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) cultures, a similar concept is 'face loss' or losing face. Face is a concept of reputation, dignity, and prestige. It is not just about individual honor but also reflects on one's family and community. In this context, expressing strong negative emotions, especially anger or disagreement, can be seen as causing 'face loss' for both oneself and one's family. This can lead to a similar pattern of emotional suppression, where individuals prioritize maintaining harmony and not causing a disturbance over expressing their authentic feelings. It's important to note that there may be cultural variations in how these coping strategies are expressed and understood. The parallels are striking: in both the African American experience of 'playing it cool' and the AAPI concept of 'face loss,' individuals learn to internalize their struggles rather than express them openly, all to ensure a form of social or physical survival.

A Legacy of Survival

Understanding these subconscious responses is crucial because they are a way our bodies and behaviors have adapted over generations to respond to systemic oppression. These behaviors, passed down from our ancestors, were once vital means of survival. However, the mental health consequences of constantly repressing your true self can be significant. The weight of this legacy, while a testament to resilience, can manifest in physical ailments and mental health struggles. Acknowledging these hidden costs is the first step toward healing and finding healthier ways to cope. This acknowledgment empowers us to take control of our mental well-being and motivates us to seek healthier coping strategies.

References for Further Reading

Kalibatseva, Z., Leong, F. T. L., Ham, E. H., Lannert, B. K., & Chen, Y. (2017). Loss of face, intergenerational family conflict, and depression among Asian American and European American college students. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 8(2), 126–133. https://doi.org/10.1037/aap0000067

Nagayama Hall, G. C., Hong, J. J., Zane, N. W., & Meyer, O. L. (2011). Culturally-Competent Treatments for Asian Americans: The Relevance of Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Psychotherapies. Clinical psychology : a publication of the Division of Clinical Psychology of the American Psychological Association, 18(3), 215–231. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2850.2011.01253.x

Ojebuoboh, A.R., Gonzalez-Feliciano, A.G., Brown, K.M. et al. Association of active coping to unfair treatment with perceived stress and depressive symptoms in African Americans: mh-grid study. BMC Psychiatry 22, 134 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-03772-y

(2006). Uncle Tom syndrome. In Y. Jackson (Ed.) Encyclopedia of multicultural psychology (pp. 461-462). SAGE Publications, Inc., https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412952668.n204