Denial of discrimination may itself result from prior guilt feelings

Evidence

Early discussions (Allport, 1954/1986; Golightly, 1947) suggested that denying the existence of discrimination and prejudice was a way to reduce feelings of guilt for acts of prejudice. Thus, it is possible that denial of discrimination and privilege could be a consequence of previous feelings of guilt or perhaps current subconscious feelings of guilt. — Janet K. Swim and Deborah L. Miller, White Guilt, 154

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to reading purpose: denial/glorification could operate as an alternative downstream response to the same guilt trigger being tested experimentally — not just the hypothesized guilt-raising route. — connects to: Present control over racism’s ongoing effects can cause guilt over past slavery — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 316; Prejudice targets often downplay rather than exaggerate personal discrimination — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 945

Broader Connections

• Prejudice targets often downplay rather than exaggerate personal discrimination #expands (0.75) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 945