This article explores how the attitudes and behaviors of white racial justice activists contribute to burnout experienced by racial justice activists of color in the United States. It identifies five key ways white activists elevate this burnout: harboring unevolved or racist views, undermining or invalidating the work of activists of color, unwillingness to take action, exhibiting white fragility, and taking credit for the work and ideas of activists of color. The study reexamined interviews with 22 activists of color to specifically detail how white racial justice activists caused their burnout. Ultimately, the authors argue that these behaviors not only affect individual activists of color but also threaten the sustainability and effectiveness of racial justice movements as a whole. To learn more, click the button below.
