The article critiques the term 'imposter syndrome,' arguing that labeling self-doubt as a personal flaw undermines systemic issues like sexism, racism, and bias in the workplace. It emphasizes that many women, especially women of color, experience these feelings as a response to environments where their competence is constantly questioned—termed competency checking. This misdiagnosis can lead marginalized individuals to internalize their struggles rather than address the underlying systemic inequities that contribute to their feelings of inadequacy. By re-framing the discussion away from personal failings, the article advocates for recognizing and addressing the real systemic culprits that create these feelings.
Imposter syndrome is often a misdiagnosis, a symptom of systemic inequities rather than an internal failing, particularly for women and people of color.
This misidentification obscures the real culprits of sexism, racism, and white supremacy, leading women to pathologize themselves instead of confronting oppressive systems.
Competency checking in the workplace undermines those who challenge the traditional norms of leadership, perpetuating a cycle of self-doubt, especially among marginalized groups.
The pervasive belief that everyone experiences imposter syndrome dismisses the complex realities of self-doubt influenced by systemic biases and exclusion.
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