The American Psychological Association’s Apology and the Historical Justification of Slavery through Human Hierarchy
Apology to People of Color for APA’s Role in Promoting, Perpetuating, and Failing to Challenge Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Human Hierarchy in U.S. Resolution adopted by the APA Council of Representatives on October 29, 2021
The American Psychological Association (APA) issued a profound apology on October 29, 2021, acknowledging its role in promoting and perpetuating systemic racism and human hierarchy in the United States. This apology marks a significant milestone in addressing the historical and ongoing impact of racism within the field of psychology and reflects a broader context of human hierarchy used to justify slavery and other forms of racial discrimination in the U.S.
APA's Historical Role and Apology
The APA's apology acknowledges a long history of complicity in systemic racism, from promoting racial hierarchies to failing to challenge discrimination. The organization admitted its shortcomings in upholding its mission to benefit society and improve lives, recognizing the profound harm caused to people of color. This apology was not just about words but was accompanied by a commitment to concrete actions aimed at rectifying past wrongs and fostering a more equitable future.
One critical aspect of this acknowledgment involves the discipline's roots in promoting and validating racial hierarchies. Psychology, as a scientific field, contributed to the dispossession, exploitation, and marginalization of communities of color by supporting pseudoscientific theories such as eugenics. Early psychological research and practices often reinforced notions of White supremacy, using concepts like intelligence testing to justify racial discrimination.
Historical Justification of Slavery through Human Hierarchy
The justification of slavery in the United States was deeply entwined with the concept of human hierarchy. This idea posited that different races could be ranked based on inherent worth and capabilities, often placing White people at the top of this hierarchy. Such beliefs were not only socially and culturally pervasive but also scientifically endorsed by various fields, including psychology.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, eugenic theories gained traction, suggesting that racial differences were biologically determined and immutable. Psychologists and other scientists of the time supported these ideas, which provided a convenient rationale for the enslavement and subjugation of Black people. The belief in the natural superiority of the White race and the inherent inferiority of other races justified the brutal system of chattel slavery, where African Americans were considered property rather than human beings.
Prominent psychologists and scholars used intelligence tests and other pseudo-scientific methods to 'prove' the intellectual and moral inferiority of Black people and other racial minorities. These tests were biased and flawed but were used to enforce segregation, limit opportunities, and maintain the status quo of racial oppression.
APA's Commitment to Change
The APA's apology is accompanied by a commitment to dismantling the legacy of racism within psychology and broader society. This includes revising research methodologies, promoting culturally relevant and inclusive practices, and ensuring greater representation and support for psychologists of color. The APA aims to move beyond mere recognition of past harms to active efforts in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the field.
Moreover, the APA has pledged to support ethical scientific research that engages communities of color as equitable partners, ensuring that future studies reflect the lived experiences and perspectives of these communities. This shift is essential in addressing the historical bias and promoting a more inclusive and accurate understanding of human behavior and mental health.
The APA's apology and commitment to action represent an essential step towards rectifying the historical wrongs perpetuated by the field of psychology. By acknowledging its role in promoting human hierarchy and systemic racism, the APA sets a precedent for other institutions to follow. This move towards accountability and transformation is crucial in fostering a more just and equitable society, where the dignity and worth of every individual are recognized and respected. The historical context of human hierarchy used to justify slavery underscores the importance of these efforts in addressing the deep-seated legacy of racism in the United States.