Collective Trauma and the Recent Riots in the UK

The recent riots in the United Kingdom have brought to the forefront a complex and deeply rooted issue that has reverberated across the country casting a harsh spotlight on the deep-seated racial issues that have long plagued the nation.

These events are not isolated incidents, but rather the manifestation of collective trauma born from systemic racism, Islamophobia, anti-Blackness, and the contentious politics of immigration.

Collective Trauma the psychological phenomenon which occurs when groups of people experience a shared traumatic event and exacerbates existing fractures within communities, intensifying the emotional wounds that have long festered.

As these intertwined forms of discrimination persist, they will continue to inflict psychological wounds on communities for generations.

This article explores collective trauma as both a manifestation and a catalyst of deep-rooted and often unconscious acts of violence, but also as a reaction to grief, loss and hopelessness or unprocessed trauma.

Understanding Collective Trauma Collective trauma refers to the psychological impact of a traumatic event often resulting in a shared sense of loss, grief, and disillusionment.

It refers to the psychological scars left on a group of people who have experienced shared traumatic events, particularly those rooted in oppression and violence affecting a large group of people, shaping collective memory and identity.

Historical examples of collective trauma include: The Holocaust: The systematic genocide of European Jews and other groups by Nazi Germany during World War II

Slavery: The forced enslavement of African people and their descendants over centuries

The Trail of Tears: The forced relocation of Native American tribes in the 1830s, resulting in thousands of deaths

Natural disasters like major earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis that devastate communities.

The COVID-19 global pandemic, which caused widespread loss of life, economic hardship, and social disruption.

Historical events like the Great Irish Famine, Armenian Genocide, and Partition of India and Pakistan.

Also, the ongoing genocide of Palestinians: 40,000 deaths mark in Gaza was reached since the Hamas attack on Israel ten months ago.

These historic and current traumatic events affect entire communities or societies, often with impact that persists across generations and have reshaped collective memory, group identity, and social dynamics in profound ways that still impact individuals and groups today.

Unprocessed Collective Trauma.

The consequences of collective trauma are profound, as they can lead to widespread social and psychological distress, altering the collective consciousness of a group and shaping its future interactions with the world. Unlike individual trauma, which is experienced on a personal level, collective trauma is woven into the fabric of a community’s identity, influencing its behaviour, values, and perceptions over time.

In the context of the UK, collective trauma has been a recurring theme, particularly in the aftermath of significant social and political upheavals.

The recent riots, which erupted in several cities, are the latest in a series of events that have compounded the collective trauma experienced by Black, Brown and global majority communities.

A stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by these groups, particularly those from Black and Muslim communities, and those affected by hostile immigration policies. These riots are not simply random acts of violence or spontaneous outbursts of anger; but are instead a symptom of the unresolved collective trauma that continues to fester in these communities, symptomatic of deeper unresolved issues that have been simmering beneath the surface for years.

For many of us who are demonised as ‘woke’ especially those within communities that have long faced systemic racism and xenophobia, it is extremely frustrating not to be seen or heard on these issues and in some cases gaslighted, until a sudden eruption or crisis that requires our attention.

The Catalysts: Inequality, Injustice, and Alienation Racism in the UK has historically taken many forms, from overt acts of violence and discrimination to more insidious practices embedded in institutions and policies, including economic inequality, social injustice, and political alienation.

The impact of this racism is particularly pronounced in Black communities, who have faced centuries of discrimination, exclusion, and violence. Anti-Blackness in the UK is not just a relic of the past; it remains a persistent and pervasive force that affects the daily lives of Black people, influencing their access to opportunities, resources, and justice. Similarly, Islamophobia has become a growing concern in the UK, particularly in the aftermath of global events that have fuelled negative stereotypes about Muslims.

This contributes to the collective trauma experienced by Muslim communities, reinforcing feelings of marginalisation and despair.

Muslim communities in the UK have increasingly been targeted by hate crimes, discriminatory policies, and social exclusion, leading to a heightened sense of fear and alienation.

The politics of immigration also play a significant role in the collective trauma experienced by many in the UK.

The hostile immigration policies implemented in recent years have created a climate of fear and uncertainty for immigrants, particularly those from non-European backgrounds.

These policies, which are often rooted in xenophobia and racism, have led to the separation of families, the deportation of long-term residents, and the denial of basic rights to immigrants.

The traumas experienced by these communities is compounded by the constant threat of deportation, the stigma of being labelled, and the daily challenges of navigating a system that views them with suspicion and hostility, creating a ‘Them’ and ‘Us’ trauma narrative.

The mass media fuel these narratives spreading fear, hopelessness and frustration. In my opinion, the media plays a critical role in feeding this misinformation and spreading violent outrage, which unfortunately got enacted by the far-right on this occasion.

Feelings of anger and resentment when left unchecked, erupt into violence and we can no longer ignore the sense of disempowerment experienced by these supporters. In many ways, these riots are a desperate attempt by a group to reclaim their agency and assert their right to be heard, even though misinformed and in many ways delusional.

However, the reality remains that the UK needs immigration and if ‘immigrants’ left the UK, hospitals would probably come to a standstill and many other services would be severely disrupted.

3 Ways Of Addressing Collective Trauma

The psychological impact of racism on communities cannot be overstated. Racism not only affects the mental health of individuals but also has a profound impact on the collective psyche of communities.

The recent riots, fuelled by racial tensions, have exacerbated racial trauma, leading to widespread fear, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. Addressing collective trauma requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond merely addressing the symptoms of social unrest.

It involves tackling the root causes of the trauma, such as economic inequality, social injustice, and political alienation to foster a sense of hope and resilience within affected communities.

Here are 3 ways we can start to address collective trauma; One of the first steps in addressing collective trauma is acknowledging its existence and validating the experiences of those affected.

This can be achieved through open and honest dialogue, where communities are given the space to express their grievances and share their stories. By listening to and understanding the pain and suffering of others, society can begin to build empathy and solidarity, which are crucial for healing.

Another important aspect of addressing collective trauma is providing mental health support to those affected. Trauma-informed care, which takes into account the psychological impact of trauma, can be instrumental in helping individuals and communities process their experiences and develop coping strategies.

This support should be accessible and culturally sensitive, recognising the unique needs of different communities.

Finally, addressing the systemic issues that contribute to collective trauma is essential for long-term healing. This includes implementing policies that promote economic equality, social justice, and political inclusion. By addressing the root causes of trauma, society can work towards preventing future instances and create a more just and equitable future.

Citations: 

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/collective-trauma/  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_trauma  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4001826/  https://meridianuniversity.edu/content/collective-trauma-meaning-and-implications

Marteka is a dynamic leader known for her strategic vision and over 15 years of dedicated experience in improving mental health outcomes. As the founder of Kinship a Safe Spaces for diverse women and Benevolent Health, she has been a driving force in amplifying the voices of marginalised women, particularly Black and Brown leaders, and advancing their representation in leadership roles.
A Black British woman of Jamaican heritage, Marteka began her journey in 1999, fueled by a deep curiosity about human behaviour.

Her expertise in people and change management is supported by an MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling & Organisational Development. Since 2017, she has successfully co-designed and delivered numerous consulting projects, helping senior executive leaders achieve significant positive outcomes in areas such as service redesign, EPR implementation, digital transformation, and organisational development.

Marteka is especially renowned for her work with Kinship, a monthly membership group that focuses on intersectionality, empowering diverse voices, and increasing the representation of female leaders at senior levels. She partners with global brands to coach neurodiverse female leaders, while also supporting organisations in enhancing their EDI efforts and developing long-term strategies that align with organisational goals.

Passionate about facilitating conversations, Marteka is on a global mission to increase representation and speaks or writes about the impact of race and gender on our mental health. She believes in shaping the future of our workplaces by creating a lasting legacy and making an impact for the next generation.

SECURE YOUR TICKETS NOW for the 2nd Spirit of the Caribbean Annual Ball & Black Honour Awards on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 7.30 pm to 02.00 am.

The night features a reception, networking, and awards ceremony honouring those who have made significant impact within and beyond our community. Post-awards, prepare for live entertainment and dancing until 02:00 am. The event, a symbol of shared heritage, showcasing Caribbean Excellent.

Dress code is black tie.

Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite (booking fees apply) 
or from Event Connoisseurs: with no booking fee.

For more details, contact us at

enquiries@eventconnoisseurs.com