White Psychosis? A Response to Prof. Kehinde Andrews
I came across an interesting interview with Prof. Kehinde Andrews on ‘The Tea’ podcast hosted by Dr. Myriam Francois on 21st February 2025. I listened with intent what Kehinde had to say about whiteness, racism and the way forward. It is worth listening to the 1 hour interview before proceeding to read my response (click here: https://youtu.be/jFlFLqSwLyc?si=HHlpOGoWrvbpKtvy). Unfortunately, I disagreed with almost everything he said. Reasons outlined below:
1. National Identity
It is puzzling why he would not want to align himself to a British identity as well as his African heritage. When he dissociated himself from the British identity during the early part of the discussion, I immediately thought what Myriam eventually said during the last three minutes of the interview, which is this. The only other group who would agree with his detachment from being British in favour of his African heritage are the far right White supremacists and racists. Kehinde has a right to be British who is contributing to society (as well as having the pride of an African heritage). Likewise, White communities who live in South Africa should not think that they only have affiliations to their European ancestral roots, the are Africans. In a globalised world, having multiple affiliations is a positive not a negative. I am a proud British Bangladeshi Muslim. There should be nothing wrong with this statement. If Kehinde feels that he is 100% African and 0% British, then his skillsets, drive and initiatives can be utilised to build Africa rather than enjoying the comforts of a White Supremacist and racist country. Question: is there any aspect of British society that Kehinde values?
2. Capitalism Vs Socialism
Kehinde considers Capitalism to be racist, hence wishes its demise. Socialists generally advocate for its demolition. Socialism has failed and Capitalism is bringing people out of poverty. China was mentioned. Yes, whilst its government is Communist, China is in fact state Capitalism. They have adopted Capitalism as its economic vehicle, and after plugging into globalisation, has reaped benefits for its people. China is leapfrogging to a superpower status. India experimented with Socialism and it used to receive advice from the USSR on managing a centrally planned economy. Come the then Finance Minister, Manmohan Singh, in the 1990s who opened up the Indian economy to the world. Poverty is on the decline, there is a rising middle class. India, too, is turbo-boosting to a superpower status. Indian multinationals are now starting to establish themselves around the world, including developed Western countries; something which was unthinkable 30 years ago. Indian individuals are now rising up the political ranks in the UK and USA to occupy influential positions. Capitalism and Socialism have both been tried and tested. Capitalism is the best vehicle to turn poverty into prosperity. This is not racism.
3. BAME – Breaking Through Barriers
In 2021 a report was published by the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities (CRED) led by Dr. Tony Sewell. It received a lot of backlash because it questioned the existence of institutional racism and celebrated achievements of ethnic communities. Kehinde Andrews was one of its critics and was scathing about the report. I published a book in response to CRED, where I actually supported the CRED, Dr. Sewell and the panel. My book is entitled, ‘BAME – Breaking Through Barriers. A Response to the Critics of the Commission for Race and Ethnic Disparities.’
I examined the arguments raised by critics of CRED, including Kehinde, and I responded in kind. I even sent my draft manuscript to these critics because they had a right of reply and we could engage in dialogue. I would have captured their comments in my published book. Lo and behold, no responses were forthcoming. So much for reaching out to the Left/Progressives in order to generate dialogue. Dr. Tony Sewell subsequently published a book in 2024, ‘Black Success: The Surprising Truth.’ This is well worth a read. (All books mentioned are available on Amazon). Kehinde sees BAME communities as victims. Myself and Dr. Sewell see them as victors. Plantation mentality is over.
4. Diversity of Opinion vs Group Think
BAME communities have progressed to the extent where the Cabinet in the previous Conservative administration was the most diverse in British political history, which later yielded the first British Indian Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and the first Black leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch. These were all dismissed by Kehinde (and others on the political Left) because they were still classed as White Supremacists. This is the racism of group think. If Black or BAME individuals have divergent views from the group collective, then they are dismissed as Uncle Sams or White Supremacists or ‘House N**roes’. In contrast, White individuals are able to disagree and hold divergent opinions without being labelled with pejorative terminologies. Work that one out.
5. White Supremacy and Critical Race Theory
If members of the BAME communities rise up the ladder and achieve success in the UK or Western countries, Kehinde does not consider this a success but a mere occupation of the White Supremacist space. This thinking is very similar or maybe an adjunct to Critical Race Theory which supposes that all institutions in the West are structurally racist, and if BAME communities do progress it is only at the behest of White supremacists if they think such progression would benefit such supremacists. An inspiring African American academic and ex-professor, Carol Swain, wrote a book entitled, ‘Black Eye for America. How Critical Race Theory Is Burning Down the House.’ I am sure our Socialist friend would dismiss Swain as just another Conservative White supremacist.
6. White Psychosis
Kehinde used the term ‘psychosis’ to describe Whiteness. I am sure he meant the White psychology or thought process and behaviours. It is difficult to lump the White communities under one umbrella, as it is difficult to do the same for all other communities. There is diversity of thinking and opinion across all groups. What does he mean by White psychosis? This may be related to White privilege. But further understanding is needed. Given that Kehinde is a university professor and he used the term ‘psychosis’ to describe the White thought process or behaviours, kindly allow me to set an exam question. ‘In the US, an American Indian psychiatrist based in New York, Dr. Aruna Khilanani, told a group of Yale students that she fantasised about shooting White people by blowing their heads off. Is this an indication of an Indian psychosis against White people? Discuss.’
7. Nazism
Kehinde stated that the British Empire was worse than Nazism. This needs further examination. It is true that the Empire had negative elements as well as positive, like any other colonial empire (Roman, Perisan, Arab/Muslim, Spanish etc.). Both sides need to be taught in schools. But claiming that the British Empire was worse than the Nazis implies that the British and her allies (including India) were wrong to fight the Nazis. Furthermore, whilst we should have an objective approach to history, this implies that we should also look at the history of the Left in the US around 200 years ago. The Democrats. A history of defending slavery (when Republicans under Abraham Lincoln were pushing for abolition), segregation, Jim Crow laws, Klu Klux Klan, lynching etc. Nazis adopted the old Democrats’ playbook. This should have been mentioned by Kehinde. I understand why he didn’t because this is a very sordid history of his compatriots on the Left.
8. Malcolm X
Malcolm X is one of my favourite civil rights activists. What was not mentioned is that he was part of the racist Black Muslims cult that believe that White people are devils and products of a genetic accident. After his visit to Mecca during Hajj he appreciated the diversity of Mankind and that we are all part of one brotherhood regardless of race. He later disavowed The Nation of Islam and aligned with a more Orthodox Islam. As a result he was more aligned with another of my favourite activists, Rev. Martin Luther King Jnr. It is surprising that he was not mentioned during Myriam’s podcast. He delivered one of the best speeches of all time on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, ‘I Have a Dream.’ Here he wanted to see Black children and White children join hands as sisters and brothers, and for all to sit at the table of brotherhood. A refreshing change to Kehinde’s White psychosis and White devils narrative.
8. Israel and Palestine
I have written articles about this and have had discussions with a Rabbi on how Jews and Muslims (and Christians) must unite to achieve peace in the Holy Land under Abrahamic brotherhood. Peace is the answer. The new State of Palestine must be created that will live in peace side by side with the State of Israel which deserves to exist in peace and security. Jews should not be driven out to sea as per the Hamas charter version 1 (1987). When peace prevails, the losers will be Hamas, Muslim extremists, Jewish extremists and arms manufacturers, whose interests are to support perpetual wars that lead to a colossal loss of innocent life.
9. Conclusion
When Capitalism is lifting people from poverty to prosperity, and when Conservatism is propelling some BAME individuals to positions of political influence in the UK and USA, how can Socialists like Kehinde respond? Capitalism and Conservatism have delivered where Socialism, Communism and Marxism have failed. This is the cognitive dissonant space that Kehinde and his Socialist compatriots occupy. However, to maintain their Socialist and revolutionary credibility, they have no choice but to condemn Capitalism as racist and Conservatism as White Supremacist. Poverty is transforming to prosperity and BAME communities are breaking through barriers. There is still a long way to go but let’s celebrate our successes for now and feel proud to be British and proud of our ethnic cultural heritage.
