Resmaa Menakem on Healing Racialized Trauma: A Deep Dive into Somatic Abolitionism
The race question in this country really is a species question.
What happens when the weight of historical oppression manifests not just in our minds, but in our bodies? In this episode of 'Beyond Theory', Resmaa Menakem, a senior fellow at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare and New York Times Best-Selling Author, tackles the profound impact of racialized trauma. Following the death of George Floyd, many people of color around the world felt a resurgence of racialized trauma.
Menakem breaks down the concept of somatic abolitionism, emphasizing the need to free ourselves from the shackles of white body supremacy and racism. He insists that strategies alone aren't enough; we need a culture that actively supports these changes. Menakem explains how trauma embeds itself in our bodies, influencing personality, family dynamics, and even cultural traits. He urges us to slow down and become aware of how trauma shows up in our physical selves.
This isn't just a mental exercise—it's a holistic approach to understanding and healing from racialized trauma. He also delves into the deep-seated issues of historical oppression and how they continue to affect bodies like his every day. Menakem goes further to discuss how the race question in America is intricately linked to a species question, highlighting the brutal origins of the police force and its ongoing impact on communities of color.
This episode is a call to action, urging listeners to reflect on these deep-rooted issues and take meaningful steps towards change. Menakem's insights offer a powerful lens through which to view and address the pervasive issue of racialized trauma.