Written by: Dr. Sonya Alise McKinzie
In the heart of every community lies a story—of resilience, of triumph, and sometimes, of struggle against invisible forces that bind us. Among the Black community, one such force is the deeply ingrained mindset often referred to as the “Crab in a Basket” mentality. It’s a metaphor that paints a vivid picture: place a group of crabs in a basket, and as one tries to climb out, the others pull it back down. None escape—not because they can’t, but because they won’t let each other rise.
This metaphor, while simple, speaks volumes about a complex social dynamic that has echoed through generations. It’s not just about envy or competition—it’s about survival, trauma, and the psychological residue of systemic oppression. The Crab in a Basket mindset is not born in a vacuum. It is the product of centuries of marginalization, where resources were scarce, opportunities were limited, and success often came at the cost of community.
In many ways, this mentality is a defense mechanism. When a system is designed to pit individuals against each other for limited access to education, employment, and recognition, it fosters a culture of comparison and scarcity. If one person makes it out—gets the job, the degree, the spotlight—it can feel like a loss to those still struggling. Instead of celebrating that success as a beacon of hope, it becomes a source of resentment. “Why them and not me?” becomes the unspoken question.
But this mindset is not just harmful—it’s self-defeating. It keeps communities stagnant, dreams deferred, and potential unrealized. It discourages collaboration and fosters distrust. It tells us that there’s only room for one at the top, when in reality, there’s space for all of us to thrive.
Breaking free from this mentality requires more than just awareness—it demands intentional action. It starts with recognizing the ways in which we may have internalized these beliefs. Have we ever downplayed someone’s success because it made us uncomfortable? Have we withheld support or encouragement out of fear that someone else’s rise might highlight our own insecurities? These are hard questions, but necessary ones.
Healing begins with shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. Success is not a pie with only a few slices. When one of us wins, it doesn’t mean there’s less for the rest—it means the door has been opened a little wider. We must learn to see each other’s victories as collective progress. When a Black entrepreneur launches a successful business, when a young student earns a scholarship, when an artist gains recognition, it’s not just their win—it’s a win for the culture, for the community, for the future.
Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools in dismantling the Crab in a Basket mentality. When those who have climbed higher reach back to lift others, it creates a chain of empowerment. It says, “I made it, and so can you.” It transforms success from a solitary achievement into a shared journey. We need more spaces where knowledge is passed down, where experiences are shared, and where support is unconditional.
We also need to challenge the narratives that fuel this mindset. Media, education, and even family dynamics can sometimes reinforce the idea that there’s only one seat at the table. But we are not each other’s competition—we are each other’s allies. The real competition is against the systems that have tried to keep us divided and diminished.
Community building is another essential step. When we invest in each other—through collaboration, celebration, and care—we create environments where everyone can flourish. This means showing up for each other’s events, promoting each other’s work, and being genuinely happy for each other’s growth. It means creating networks of support that are rooted in love, not fear.
Of course, this is not to ignore the very real challenges that still exist. Systemic racism, economic inequality, and social injustice are not figments of imagination—they are daily realities. But the Crab in a Basket mentality only compounds these issues. It turns us against ourselves when we should be united. It distracts us from the bigger picture and the greater fight.
To break free, we must be willing to do the inner work. We must confront our own biases, insecurities, and fears. We must be willing to unlearn what we’ve been taught about success and worth. And we must be brave enough to believe that we are stronger together.
The future of the Black community depends on our ability to rise—not just individually, but collectively. It depends on our willingness to push past the basket, to lift each other up, and to build a world where no one has to climb alone. The Crab in a Basket mindset may have been born out of oppression, but it does not have to define us. We have the power to rewrite the narrative—to choose unity over division, abundance over scarcity, and love over fear.
Let us be the generation that breaks the cycle. Let us be the ones who cheer the loudest when one of us climbs higher. Let us be the hands that lift, not the claws that pull. Because when one of us rises, we all rise.
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