Academic gaslighting is often used by academics from privileged backgrounds work to maintain their privilege by getting academics from marginalized backgrounds to question their research that seeks to bring attention to this marginalization.
A prime example of academic gaslighting used by white senior is to insist that scholars of color bringing attention to issues of white supremacy are contributing “nothing new.” Don’t believe them for a second.
Another example of academic gaslighting is when white scholars defend themselves from criticism by saying “of course I know racism is a factor” even as they systematically ignore racism in their work. I can only respond to what you published, not what is apparently in your head.
When I critiqued a senior white scholar I was told that I was being unfair because they were such a nice person and our field owned them so much. Their niceness is irrelevant and I don’t owe them anything.
The primary function of this academic gaslighting is to frame POC as overly confrontational, ungrateful and contributing nothing new. It is to get POC to constantly second themselves and wonder if they are, in fact, the problem.
This academic gaslighting also allows white scholars to feel justified in continuing to cite one another and in not citing POC thereby maintaining the racial status quo.
It is kind of amazing that white scholars who only cite other white scholars can also have the nerve to suggest that POC bringing attention to white supremacy are contributing “nothing new.” You are the white supremacist boo.
Of course academic gaslighting extends beyond race to other forms of marginalization including gender, sexual orientation, disability etc. Feel free to share your stories!
Academic gaslighting often culminates in white scholars appropriating terms coined by POC often without citing them and always completely removing any critical analysis of race (I am looking at you intersectionality)
