Feeling Phony: The Imposter Syndrome Effect

The ‘imposter syndrome’ term has long since been coined from feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one’s self. In these times of racial unrest and movements, young people are advocating for change and are taking these feelings to the frontlines. 

For immigrants, the imposter phenomenon is all too familiar and arises even more so due to the recent events in the political landscape. Immigrants have long since felt like an outsider with a lack of connection towards America as a country. As they play catch up, others are rising up around them.

Because this phenomenon is held through a racist lens in American history, it still shapes and disproportionately affects people of color.

Kelly Bates, President and Strategic Director of the Interaction Institute for Social Change (IISC), describes the feelings behind assimilating,

“When you assimilate, you lose a sense of self. You lose the parts of you that were the “original you,” the stronger parts of your identity and what made you unique and whole. 

And before you know it, you become another version of yourself – watered down, less happy, more anxious, and constantly questioning your abilities.

It’s like catching a wicked case of internalized oppression in which we walk around feeling bad about ourselves or feeling like we fall short.”

Feeling like an imposter doesn’t solely have to do with being outside of your comfort zone. It can come directly through reflecting on culture and seeing the ways one doesn’t fit in. 

Along with that, a study done at the University of Texas, Austin, examined 240 ethnic minority college students when it came to minority-status stress and imposter feelings. The results showed that students were more prone to mental health issues when they themselves or their family were ethnic/immigrants. The anxiety and depression was a weight they carried on their shoulders and led them to constantly second guess themselves and never feel satisfied. 

Particularly for young people of color and immigrants in the post-grad world, employers must be aware that those who advocate for change through protests, social media, and within their jobs have an added stressor in their day-to-say lives and worries over the implications that may occur. When questioning whether one should go into a particular field, immigrants and people of color discredited their choices and felt compelled to go down the “safer route”. Regularly, the question of whether or not they were equipped to handle the repercussions came with a fear behind tackling big changes. 

So how does one get out of the imposter syndrome mindset? It involves having the tools to develop compassionate self-awareness to manage one's emotions, while also having authority figures and institutions recognize and take full responsibility of providing safe spaces and opportunities for marginalized people to feel comfortable in, whether it’s in school or at work.

Coping on an Individual Level

When training oneself to step out from the toxicity of feeling like an imposter, one must first attempt to gain confidence and disassociate the thoughts behind what one thinks others know and instead focusing on what one actually knows about each situation at hand. 

If a person strongly believes in advocating for social change and civic engagement, their ‘American identity’ or lack thereof, should not hold them down. 

It may sound like a lot, but recognizing the imposter moments and analyzing them will provide one with agency towards acceptance and change. Becoming aware of where you are and how you’re feeling during those instances, will help overcome anxiety. Once you are able to recognize during which times the feelings envelop you, you can appreciate that they are normal and valid. 

Even young people that are successful and ultimately achieve what they hoped to accomplish, state their doubts on whether or not they belong at their workplaces, their friend groups, their schools, etc. When looking at all of the incredible things achieved throughout the years, it’s no surprise that imposter syndrome is so prevalent. With many centuries of innovations, art, and ideas thought by clever minds, it can make our creations and place in the world feel minuscule in comparison. Take note of all that you’ve accomplished and congratulate yourself when overcoming any barriers put in place. It is a phenomenon that many feel but does not warrant the stress that comes with it. 

Breaking Down Barriers in the Workplace

Breaking down barriers in the workplace comes with open communication and comfort from people in positions of power. Allowing people to ask questions and not feel reluctant towards questioning orders, sets a healthy workplace environment and clear expectations. A dialogue composed of feedback and acknowledgment will make people feel included whereas, an environment that thrives heavily on comparison and contesting, breeds feelings of inadequacy and fear. 

Lastly, it’s important to step back and take a look at the atmosphere that leaders create. In order to create systemic change, the lack of diversity in varied work and group conditions leaves people of color feeling isolated and alone. Providing an atmosphere with diversified voices and people of all different backgrounds eliminates the taxing emotional labor that those with marginalized backgrounds sacrifice and face. It can be challenging and overwhelming to make changes in systems with so many established rules and structures, but with embracing change, listening and learning, the opportunity is there.