Coping With Racism: An Analysis of Defence Mechanisms Employed by Lubinda in Dominic Mulaisho's The Tongue of the Dumb

Sensitive as racism may be, it has continued to be a problematic reality, a thematic issue and a subject of scholarly discourse. Racism negatively impacts societies and individuals. Thus, the attention and need for relentless efforts in addressing, ameliorating, combating, eradicating and mitigating it. This paper concerns itself with representations and experiences of Racism in Dominic Mulaisho’s The Tongue of the Dumb. Using the Defence Mechanism Theory of Psychoanalysis, it investigates the defence mechanisms employed by a prominent character, Lubinda, to cope with racism. Further, the study explores the role and significance of defence mechanisms in coping with racism. The research was qualitative. Data was collected by textual analysis of the selected novel and analysed thematically. The findings of the study show that affiliation, humour, identification with the aggressor, sublimation, passive aggression and sublimation were utilised by the character. The usefulness and protectiveness of defence mechanisms is observable and it is rendered prudent to be acquainted with these mechanisms as stressful situations and unpleasant experiences are inevitable.