Do the effects of Jim Crowe legal segregation impact
our society today?
When we talk about Jim Crow,
we often talk about drinking fountains, restrooms,
busses and schools. But Jim Crow was much
more than that. In the nearly 15 years I've
been conducting research I have talked to
countless number of survivors. Most
of the survivors could recall instances of
lynching, sexual assault and murder. Stolen
land was a common occurrence.
And all who lived through this period suffered
intimidation, humiliation traumatic stress,
and fear of death.
As we have seen with many instances of violence,
once that violence ends, the stress and negative psychological impact can continue.
Imagine living every day of your life with
the fear of death.
The data is compelling. The cumulative experiences
of traumatic racial events have caused long-lasting
psychological consequences for African Americans,
which we call Segregation Stress Syndrome.
The symptoms include loss of trust and a feeling
of fear and nervousness around the group that
caused the trauma.
People who suffer from the Syndrome often
avoid triggers – the places and things that
are reminders of the traumatic event.
And they display emotional responses when
reminded of the event – a hyper-arousal
and hyper-vigilance that’s often labeled
as paranoia.
A key component of the syndrome is having
a constant fear of physical harm or death.
Children and grandchildren of the survivors
are susceptible to suffering from the syndrome
through intergenerational transmission.
It’s passed down socially and biologically…
Through the stories we tell and hear…
And through unconscious displayed emotions.
There is no cure for Segregation Stress Syndrome,
only treatment. It’s important that clinicians
are aware of the reality of this issue.
Jim Crow laws were struck down
many years ago. But we still see the lasting
effects today.
