As a result of the power of images, outlawed culture, and inferiority complexes, psychological trauma has plagued generations for centuries.
People with a history of racial and cultural oppression in vulnerable communities are exposed to distress, according to Health A-Z.
“Being systematically exploited, enduring repeated and continual abuse, racism, and poverty are all traumatic enough to cause…changes,” said Gayani DeSilva, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist.
Images draw society into devotion and high reverences, which are remedies of salvation, people kiss them, and cry at altars before for them. An image becomes powerful when seen through the lens of the eyes, the keenest senses.
The book Power of Images displayed the crucifixion of a Caucasian savior in paintings created in the fifteenth century by Italian artist Fra Angelico in the Museum of San Marco in Florence Italy.
San Quentin resident Kojo Damian Clutchette, 49, a Christian incarcerated more than 18 years said that psychological slavery through the perception of images has had a social impact on Black people.
A diverse outlook enables Black people to consider themselves as less than, because of certain images held in high reverence in the Black community, Cluchette said.
He added that images of white people who enslaved his ancestors were displayed over centuries as liberators of Black people.
“Multi-generational trauma is very controversial and is the most insidious [deceptive], starting with a false image of our savior,” Clutchette said. “An inferiority complex created a stereotype class system which said I am better than the other person.”
Generations of Black people were told they were cursed and that their savior was a particular ethnicity causing Black people to have a subordinate type of view toward that race, said Clutchette.
He stated that whenever he and his friend would engage in a cultural conversation and a random white person would appear his friend would act inferior toward that person.
Images are uncultured, not of modern descent, undeveloped, but strategically well-made. Nevertheless, they are not accepted by critics, noted the book The Power of Images.
For instance, iconoclasm is a practice of opposition to widely accepted images that do not conform to the reverence of idols, according to Merriam -Webster Dictionary.
The descendants of slaves are not the only people affected by influential practices; so have the descendants of indigenous people.
SQ resident Gregory “White Eagle” Coates, a Native American incarcerated for 50 years, says that his culture was forbidden in America having a big impact on his ancestors.
Coates said his ancestors went through so many traumas that they hid their identity. His grandparents changed his last name out of fear because the practices of their culture were outlawed.
The Native American way of life was illegal until 1977, when then President Jimmy Carter acknowledged Native American people, Coates said.
Coates added that upon coming to prison in 1975, CDC would classify new arrivals in three ethnic categories, White, Black, and Mexican. As a Native American, Coates was classified as White.
Despite the lack of recognition of Coates’ identity, he does acknowledge that in 1981 San Quentin State Prison was the first facility in California to have a sweat lodge.
Coates urges young people to learn about the trials and tribulations of their people to become educated concerning their ancestors.
A healthy way to connect with one’s culture is to study historic content in order to heal. This can strengthen efforts to recover from generational trauma. There are tools such as educational content about trauma, where teachers and parents can address systemic issues that perpetuate trauma in minority communities, according to Health A-Z.
“You can’t embrace anything until you heal and find your people.” Coates said. “Things have been hidden, but now it is easy to find who you are. Know your grandparents, and don’t be afraid to ask.”