Joy DeGruy, a nationally and internationally renowned researcher, educator, author and presenter gave a lecture last Thursday on Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome in Albert Taylor Hall. DeGruy spoke about how “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome” continues to affect society and the impact of learned behaviors.

DeGruy received her Ph.D. in Social Work and Social Research from Portland State University, according to joydegruy.com. 

“There is a black mother and son and a white mother and son at the bank,” DeGruy said. “Both mothers are filling out paperwork. While the white mother is preoccupied, her son is roaming around the lobby causing havoc. This child is showing secure attachment. While the black mother is filling out paperwork, her son is obediently standing right next to her side, because the black child grew up with the idea that this is not their bank, this is not their place to roam around.” 

DeGruy said that post traumatic experiences are learned behaviors and         explained through two examples how often times black children learn that this is not their world which leads to anger, fear and shame. DeGruy’s second example showed why it is often times that blacks experience post traumatic slave syndrome. 

“A black mother and a white mother are talking,” DeGruy said. “The black mother compliments the white mother, the white mother responds by praising her son. The white mother also realizes that the black mothers son is excelling  and recognizes this. The black mother explains how her son is always causing trouble. The white mother thinks that the black mother is being negative. The black mother is denigrating her son to protect him.” 

DeGruy’s solution to this example was to “say thank you.”  and that if parents can learn to use this tactic that it can be the change the world needs to diminish post traumatic slave syndrome. 

According to DeGruy, America is affected by post traumatic slave syndrome and is on the edge of change.

“We are one world,” DeGruy said. “And there are people who are going to go out kicking and screaming to try and keep the division. The problem is we create a problem by creating a disconnect.” 

“Having classes that truly explain what went on and why racism continues to be a thing, such as the one that Dr. DeGruy teaches is a great start,”said Griffin Lennihan, sophomore psychology major. “But there is no easy way to stop racism when so many people have acted in such a way their whole lives or without fully realizing it.”