A Jungian Psychology Perspective on Cultural Hatred and African American Women

Jungian Psychology as developed from the work and theories of C.G. Jung has not been without issues related to racism and raciality. The development of Jung’s theories carries historical references to people of color, particularly Africans and African Americans, that are racially negative. As American Jungian Psychology has evolved, there is a deeper questioning as to Jung’s theories related to Africanist people. In the reflection of applicability of a Jungian lens to clinical work with the African diaspora, it must initially be noted that there is a cultural bias in the original lens that views those of African descent. This paper explores the ego; cultural and collective consciousness of African American women as related to cultural hatred. African American women experience psychological issues unique to them based on being black/brown bodied individuals. This paper discusses these issues, in understanding the double consciousness of being African and American, with consideration of a racialized Jungian Psychology theoretical model.