How 'Imposter Syndrome' Blames Black People For White Supremacy

black woman sitting in front of a laptop
Briona Lamback
May 18, 2022

Two white women coined the term "imposter syndrome," a shared experience of feeling like a fraud despite one’s accomplishments. Many Black women, including Michelle Obama and Maya Angelou, have reported experiencing it. 

Why do so many of us feel this way?

It especially happens in the workplace – the fear that we don’t measure up to our peers. But as it currently exists, imposter syndrome WRONGLY blames Black women for feeling this way!

For Black women, particularly, a significant pay gap coupled with racism, sexism, classism, and more makes the situation more complex.

The idea that imposter syndrome is something that we can just "overcome" is a myth. Imposter syndrome is actually a product of white supremacy!

Imposter syndrome is not a problem that we should be responsible for fixing. It's a byproduct of living and working in a racist society. 

White supremacy tells us we’re inadequate, and treats us as less than. We’re not “imposters” – our fears are based on the reality of how we’re treated!

It's not our job to overcome “imposter syndrome.” White supremacy is responsible for making us feel inadequate. We must advocate for ourselves in white spaces but, most importantly, value each other and our communities so THEY can never make us feel like we don't belong!

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