Many people of colour experience shame in response to racism. Often, the response to this testimony is that shame (experienced in response to racism) is not appropriate. After all, it’s those who were racist who should be ashamed. I unpack what is assumed by this response and explore some harms associated with the response (and the assumptions behind the response). In particular, I explore a particular kind of injustice, which I call communicative injustice.
Aness Kim Webster is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Durham University (United Kingdom). Her recent research has focused on the lessons that can be learnt by examining the lived experiences of marginalised people. In particular, she has written on agency, autonomy, stereotyping, and shame.