Prometheus 6

(Black America)--Invisible Nation
by: Paul Rosenberg
Sat Mar 15, 2008 at 20:00

I want to suggest a formal framework for considering what follows that closely mirrors what Ellison described so vividly in artistic form.  This framework is that of Freudian ego defense mechanisms-as Wikipedia puts it, "psychological strategies brought into play by individuals, groups and even nations to cope with reality and to maintain self-image."  Defense mechanisms can be categorized in varous ways, one of which is in terms of levels, from the most pathological to the most healthy.  Level 1 mechanisms, Wikipedia explains,  are "common in overt psychosis".  They also aptly describe how White America sees-or rather fails to see-Black America:

Categorization of Defence Mechanisms

Level 1 Defence Mechanisms

The mechanisms on this level, when predominating, almost always are severely pathological. These three defences, in conjunction, permit one to effectively rearrange external reality and eliminate the need to cope with reality. The pathological users of these mechanisms frequently appear crazy or insane to others. These are the "psychotic" defences, common in overt psychosis. However, they are found in dreams and throughout childhood as healthy mechanisms.

They include:

• Denial: Refusal to accept external reality because it is too threatening; arguing against an anxiety provoking stimuli by stating it doesn't exist; resolution of emotional conflict and reduce anxiety by refusing to perceive or consciously acknowledge the more unpleasant aspects of external reality.
• Distortion: A gross reshaping of external reality to meet internal needs.
• Delusional Projection: Grossly frank delusions about external reality, usually of a persecutory nature.

Just keep that in mind, as you read what follows.