Misogynoir and the Psychic Life of Race: Projective Identification, Cultural Authority, and the Black Feminine

Jun 13, 2025

The discussion delves into the impactful concept of misogynoir, highlighting its unique influence on Black women, particularly in authority roles. It examines how psychoanalysis reveals societal biases through mechanisms like projective identification and repression. The nuances of envy and criticism, illustrated by public figures such as Kamala Harris and Beyoncé, underscore the complex dynamics of cultural representation. The podcast emphasizes resilience and the vital importance of teaching future generations about identity and empowerment against systemic devaluation.

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INSIGHT

Understanding Misogynoir's Unique Nature

Misogynoir is a unique form of racialized gender violence targeting Black women, combining racism and sexism multiplicatively rather than additively.
It manifests subtly through symbolic erasure and emotional labor expectations, rooted in unconscious societal fantasies.

ANECDOTE

Beyonce's Teaching Through Inclusion

Beyonce includes her daughters in her work to teach them about the entertainment world and build resilience against social media negativity.
This approach breaks norms, showing how Black women navigate idealization and devaluation in public perception.

ADVICE

Teach Resilience to Children

Teach children to tolerate disappointments and pain as growth opportunities.
Encourage persistence despite negativity and criticism in social and professional spaces.

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The discussion explored the concept of “misogynoir” and its impact on Black women, including the ways in which societal expectations and cultural biases affect their experiences in leadership roles and in positions of authority.

Moya Bailey’s (2021) definition of this term was described. It combines misogyny and anti-Black racism but is a distinct phenomenon that highlights how the experiences of Black women are not simply additive—racism plus sexism—but are multiplicative and intersectional; a combination that creates a unique form of racialized gender violence often in ways that are subtle, insidious, and deeply rooted in unconscious fantasy.

The conversation between Dr. Karyne Messina, the host of “Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Racism in America,” and Dr. Felecia Powell-Williams, the show’s co-host, described how the powerful lens of psychoanalytic theory can explain how mechanism of defense operate as it relates to this term, not just as overt bias, but as a deeply embedded cultural logic stemming from the unconscious psychic life of our nation. Particular attention was paid to the concepts of projective identification, repression, idealization and devaluation all of which illuminate how unconscious anxieties, disavowed societal shame, and collective guilt can be projected onto Black women, especially those in positions of power.

They also provided examples of “misogynoir” such as the controversial dismissal of the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, and the relentless, often unhinged scrutiny faced by former Vice-president Kamala Harris.

The host and co-host also talked about the important roles Black mothers can play in the world of entertainment who have the opportunity to teach their daughters how to navigate today in a world that is filled with negativity brought about by social media criticism while maintaining their own agendas. Beyonce’s way of working with Blue Ivy and Rumi Carter was one example that was provided.

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