intellectual buckbreaking

The act of publicly demeaning or devaluing Black critical thought; typically carried out in academic institutions done by those in possession of some hierarchal power (professor-student) that conveys a sense of subordination or inferiority.

This process usually takes place in front of others as a demonstration that the expansiveness of Black theory and praxis will not be accepted or legitimized within the white supremacist structure of academia.

It is important to note that this process also does happen on and individual and intrapersonal levels as well. From feedback indicating that one must think in a linear manner or be forced to respond in conformity where there exists only one right way to approach a conclusion, to the denial of the existence of alternative methods,

This process is a byproduct of the intentional exclusion of Black scholars from syllabi and the erasure of our experiences when our theories are co-opted by those who fail to be grounded in the same revolutionary principles that the original authors of the theory note are requisite. (Speaking on you bell, Lorde, Aunt Angie, Malcolm, MLK, Mama Crenshaw, Papa Douglass). The erasure of the revolutionary politic from these great thought leaders is intellectual buck breaking in a spiritual sense.

You’re depriving us of the privilege of being able to envision freedom. By devaluing our place and contributions within academia, you’re gatekeepers for white supremacy.

Another thing, stop saying you’re interdisciplinary when you’re not well versed in our disciplines.

You can copy and paste but your misapplication or complete failure to acknowledge the ways that oppression compounds and creates different outcomes is telling.

You can quote my faves but I know them. 🧡