ABSTRACT
In this book, we propose approaches and a framework for confronting racism by integrating mental health and legal practices. To “confront” means to face, challenge, or oppose; to accuse; or to deal head-on with something that is unpleasant. “Racism” has many definitions and meanings that have changed over time, from the end of the Civil War to the present; for instance, some would argue that racism was reflected mostly in how people behaved, and racism was supported and justified with thoughts, belief systems, and scientific evidence. Definitions vary in focus and connotations depending upon who is using the term and for what purpose. Racism is connected to individuals as well as to race and racial groups. Carter and Pieterse (2020) define race as “a social construction in which people in the United States are identified by their skin color, language, and physical features and are grouped and ranked into distinct sociopolitical groups with different degrees of [social] access and opportunity” (see also Marger, 2015). In the United States, racial groups include White and people of color (including biracial individuals who have a parent who is a person of color). “People of color” refers to disenfranchised Americans, Blacks, Latino/as, Asians, and Native Indian Americans (Carter & Pieterse, 2005).
