The collective consciousness of racial identity and injustice has never been more visible. From black squares flooding social media to corporate pledges in support of Black Lives Matter, the momentum for anti-racist work has surged.

Even grandparents are calling—some concerned about protests, while others quietly reflect on what they might have done if they were younger.

The world might be changing at an unprecedented pace, yet the journey to understanding one's own racial identity has long been studied in psychology.

One foundational framework that continues to be relevant is the Sue & Sue Model of White Racial Identity (1998), developed by Derald Wing Sue and David Sue.

This model provides insight into how individuals might recognize and confront their racial identity over time.

Below, we explore these stages, reflecting on where you and society might be as we navigate these complex times.

Understanding one’s own racial identity is not a new field.

In fact, in the world of clinical psychology, it’s pretty well studied and fits right into modern times.

The Sue & Sue Model of White Racial Identity (1998)

The process of racial identity development is nonlinear, and individuals can move back and forth between stages based on personal growth and societal influences.

Let’s explore each stage to better understand the personal and collective work involved in dismantling systemic racism.

Stage I: Conformity

In the Conformity stage, individuals have limited awareness of racial groups beyond stereotypical images. They might claim, "I don't see color," or assert that racism is a thing of the past.

Their social connections and experiences are largely centered within their white communities, often leading to a denial or minimization of racial issues.

Common thoughts at this stage:

• "Why is everything about race?"

• "Things are so much better now—there’s no segregation anymore!"

• "I have Black friends, so I can’t be racist."

Stage II: Dissonance

The Dissonance stage is marked by an awakening—a moment when a person encounters racism in a way that challenges their previous beliefs.

Whether through personal experience, media, or conversations, they begin to see the reality of racial injustice.

Emotions like guilt, shame, and confusion emerge, with no clear direction for processing these feelings.

This stage often feels overwhelming, and many people may retreat back to conformity. The societal momentum of today, like the Black Lives Matter movement, creates an environment where individuals are more likely to push forward.

Common thoughts at this stage:

• "I can't believe what I’m seeing. That video of George Floyd…"

Stage III: Resistance and Immersion

At this point, individuals are actively confronting the realities of white privilege and systemic racism. Anger arises—not just at the systems in place, but with the realization that they've been complicit.

People may overcompensate, immersing themselves in non-white communities or becoming overzealous in their activism, often driven by guilt rather than genuine understanding.

Common behaviors:

• Over-identifying with non-white communities.

• Rejecting their own white identity.

• Becoming an overly zealous social justice advocate.

Stage IV: Introspection

During Introspection, people begin to balance their racial identity with the realities of white privilege.

Guilt takes a backseat as individuals reflect on their role in perpetuating systemic racism without rejecting their whiteness.

There’s a deeper understanding that while they can be allies, they will never fully grasp the lived experiences of people of color.

This stage can be isolating as they navigate disconnection from their white peers while still not fully belonging to communities of color.

Common reflections:

• "I will never fully understand, but I can still be an ally."

• "This is more complex than I thought."

Stage V: Integrative Awareness

In this final stage, individuals gain a comprehensive understanding of their own racial identity and the systemic nature of racism.

They are committed to continuous learning, growth, and allyship.

Conversations around race become more nuanced, and there’s a genuine commitment to fighting all forms of oppression without needing external validation.

Common behaviors:

• Engaging in difficult conversations without defensiveness.

• Actively educating others in a compassionate, non-blaming way.

Where Are You in the Journey?

No matter where you are in the Sue & Sue model, it’s important to acknowledge that growth is not linear. Moving through these stages requires time, introspection, and often, discomfort.

You are not a bad person for recognizing your biases or complicity in a racist system—this is a crucial step in the journey toward meaningful change.

Share this framework with friends, family, and colleagues as you continue to learn and grow.

Embrace the discomfort, confusion, and empowerment that comes with doing the work.

True change comes from unlearning and relearning over time.

Be kind to yourself as you work to dismantle systems of oppression within yourself and society. It’s a process that takes months, even years, of committed effort.

Keep learning. Keep questioning. And most importantly, keep doing the work.

More notes on social justice:

Julie Goldberg is a licensed therapist and the founder of Third Nature Therapy. Her practice focuses on helping individuals better understand their inner world, befriend their nervous system (instead of working against it), and navigate changing relationships. She offers somatic therapy, EMDR intensives, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Brooklyn, NY.