The Intersection of White Supremacy, Spirituality, and Oppression in the Workplace

The Intersection of White Supremacy, Spirituality, and Oppression in the Workplace

In a seemingly ordinary workplace, a spiritual practitioner named Casey found herself facing a series of events that left her questioning the undercurrents of power and control around her. What began as routine interactions quickly became laced with tension, microaggressions, and a sense of being pushed out of her own space.

One afternoon, two colleagues, Emily and Jane, approached Casey to discuss a recent issue regarding her work. They informed her that a decision had been made about her job responsibilities and that she needed to comply with certain changes by a specific deadline. Casey, remembering the details from a previous meeting, thought she had more time. But Emily and Jane corrected her, stating that the deadline had passed, leaving her feeling blindsided and cornered.

Casey explained that she had already completed the required steps and submitted all necessary documents. However, Emily and Jane asked for proof, but when Casey couldn’t immediately provide the paperwork, they cryptically told her that as long as she had done everything correctly, there wouldn’t be an issue—yet they refused to provide any concrete confirmation. The lack of transparency was alarming, and the vague responses left Casey feeling disrespected and unsupported.

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Spiritual Intuition and Microaggressions in the Workplace

As days passed, Casey’s discomfort grew. She overheard a conversation between two coworkers, Mark and Lisa, speaking in a language unfamiliar to her. Mark mentioned something about the company’s spiritual beliefs, and Lisa made a passing comment about certain individuals practicing "questionable" spiritual traditions. Casey, who practiced spirituality rooted in ancestral traditions, found herself offended. She interpreted the comment as an attack on her own beliefs, feeling that her spiritual path—one that was often marginalized in mainstream society—was being judged and belittled.

This moment left Casey feeling alienated in a space where she had once felt at ease. She had always been open about her spiritual practices, but now, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her coworkers were looking at her differently, perhaps even with disdain. Their comments were more than just rude—they were microaggressions that reflected a deeper, unspoken hierarchy of belief systems, one that privileged mainstream or “acceptable” spirituality while marginalizing those outside of it, particularly spiritual practices linked to people of color or non-Western traditions.

Her anxiety intensified. Every time she entered the office, she wondered if her colleagues would be making more assumptions about her or her practices. She even began questioning whether the subtle changes in the office environment were linked to her spiritual beliefs—whether she was being targeted or excluded for practicing something outside of the norm.

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Intimidation and Control Through Subtle Spiritual Oppression

Things took a darker turn one day when Casey encountered a coworker, Nathan, who had become more and more dismissive toward her. Nathan, who was always careful to appear “polite,” began making snide remarks about her spiritual practices. On one occasion, he muttered, “Maybe if you didn’t waste your time with that stuff, you’d be more successful.” It was a seemingly innocent remark, but it carried the weight of judgment—a belief that her spirituality was a hindrance, that it didn’t belong in a “professional” setting.

This comment, along with his deliberate exclusion from key discussions, created a toxic environment where Casey began to feel spiritually marginalized. Nathan’s behavior escalated when, during a team meeting, he openly mocked her belief system, making comments that were intended to belittle her spiritual practices in front of her colleagues. Casey’s discomfort grew, not just because of his actions, but because of the systemic undercurrent they represented. Nathan’s behavior was a reflection of a much larger issue—a form of spiritual oppression intertwined with white supremacy, where Western or dominant religious practices were viewed as the standard, and anything outside of that was treated with suspicion or outright disdain.

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The Hidden Manifestation of White Supremacy in Spirituality

While the interactions in the workplace were not overtly racist or discriminatory, the way Casey was treated illustrated how white supremacy can manifest in everyday situations—especially in relation to spirituality. The refusal to acknowledge or respect her beliefs was a subtle form of spiritual oppression, where marginalized spiritual practices were viewed as inferior or unprofessional. It wasn’t just about disrespect; it was about control, power, and maintaining a system that favored one belief system over others.

In a white supremacist framework, mainstream Christianity or other Western religious practices are often privileged, while spiritual practices linked to indigenous cultures, people of color, or non-Western traditions are minimized or dismissed. This hierarchical view of spirituality enforces a form of cultural dominance that stifles diversity and silences the voices of those who do not conform to it.

The microaggressions, exclusion, and subtle intimidation Casey experienced were not random—they were part of a broader system that undervalued her identity and spiritual beliefs. This spiritual oppression was tied to the same structures of power that perpetuate white supremacy, where dominant groups maintain control over what is considered “acceptable” in both the spiritual and professional realms.

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The DNA of White Supremacy and Ancestral Trauma

The subtle but deeply entrenched forces Casey faced weren’t just a matter of personal biases or individual actions. They were representative of something far older and more insidious: the force of white supremacy, which is embedded within the very DNA of societal systems. This force is passed down through generations, embedded not just in laws or institutions, but in the very consciousness of those who benefit from it—sometimes unconsciously. Just as Casey’s own spiritual practices and identity were connected to the wisdom and resilience of her ancestors, so too is the behavior of those who uphold systems of oppression often rooted in their own ancestral legacies.

For many people who benefit from white supremacy, there exists an ancestral disconnect from the historical trauma they are a part of—whether through colonialism, slavery, or the continued marginalization of indigenous and Black people. This trauma manifests in ways that are often hidden, passed down through generations as a defense mechanism or as a way to preserve power. As a result, people within these systems, without even realizing it, often act out their inherited privileges and biases in ways that preserve the status quo.

The actions of Casey’s coworkers—whether intentional or not—reflect the deep-rooted influence of this system. They were not just individuals acting on their own but were products of a system that has shaped their worldview. Their treatment of Casey, dismissing her spiritual beliefs, excluding her, and making her feel othered, is an extension of this inherited power dynamic. It’s a reflection of the systemic forces of white supremacy that operate beneath the surface of everyday interactions.

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Fighting White Supremacy and Spiritual Oppression

While Casey may feel alone in her struggle, it’s important to remember that this fight against white supremacy—whether it’s in the workplace, the spiritual realm, or society at large—is one that can be fought, and it starts with awareness and action. Understanding that these oppressive forces are systemic and deeply embedded within cultural norms is the first step toward change.

To combat this oppression, we must:

1. Create Spaces of Belonging:

In workplaces, spiritual communities, and everyday life, it is essential to create inclusive environments where diverse spiritual beliefs and practices are respected and embraced. Representation matters, and the more diverse the spiritual practices within a community, the more these oppressive systems lose their grip.

2. Educate and Challenge Assumptions:

It’s important to challenge the assumptions and biases that perpetuate spiritual oppression. This can be done through education, open dialogue, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. White supremacy thrives in ignorance, and education is a powerful weapon against it.

3. Embrace Ancestral Healing:

Just as Casey draws strength from her spiritual practices tied to her ancestors, we must also engage in the healing of our collective ancestral wounds. This involves acknowledging the traumas that have been passed down and actively working toward healing and reconciliation, both personally and collectively.

4. Stand Firm in Your Truth:

The battle against oppression often requires resilience and a commitment to one’s own identity and spiritual truth. By standing firm in your beliefs and spiritual practices, you create a ripple effect that challenges others to do the same, disrupting the hierarchical structures of power that seek to dominate.

By recognizing the ways in which white supremacy is embedded in the fabric of society, we can begin to unearth and dismantle its influence. This is not an overnight process, but with intentionality and collective action, the power dynamics that uphold this system can be weakened, and spiritual liberation for all can become a reality.

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Conclusion

Casey’s experiences at work are a stark reminder of how white supremacy, though often invisible and subtle, can manifest in everyday interactions, even in the form of spiritual oppression. The behaviors she encountered reflect a larger system designed to uphold the status quo, where marginalized spiritual beliefs and identities are devalued. Understanding that this system is deeply embedded in societal structures and within the very DNA of those who perpetuate it is essential to breaking free. By recognizing these forces, educating ourselves, and standing firm in our truth, we can begin to heal from the trauma of oppression and fight for a more inclusive, equitable future.