Fact check: What is the definition and origin of the term "black fatigue"?

1. Summary of the results

The term "Black fatigue" has a specific definition and origin that has become increasingly controversial due to its misappropriation. The term was coined by Mary-Frances Winters in her book 'Black Fatigue' ^[1].

The original definition describes Black fatigue as a form of psychological and emotional exhaustion from persistent racism and microaggressions ^{[2] [1]}. More specifically, it refers to the exhaustion born from day-to-day small acts of aggression, disrespect, and the constant exposure to news about injustice and violence inflicted on Black people ^[1]. This condition can impact one's mental and spiritual well-being, and if left unaddressed, may also affect physical health and shorten life expectancy ^[1].

However, the term has undergone significant evolution and controversy. The term is now being used to describe frustration among both white conservatives and conservative Black Americans ^[3], representing a departure from its original meaning. This misuse includes instances where some have co-opted the term to describe negative behaviors by Black individuals, perpetuating harmful stereotypes ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several critical aspects missing from a simple definition inquiry:

• Political co-optation: The MAGA movement has co-opted the term to serve different purposes than originally intended ^[2]. This represents a significant shift in how the term is being weaponized politically.
• Specific misuse examples: There are documented cases of misappropriation, including a white woman who used the term to describe her weariness with 'ghetto' behavior, which sparked viral controversy and pushback from Black communities defending the original definition ^[4].
• Health implications: The original concept carries serious health implications that extend beyond emotional exhaustion to include physical health consequences and reduced life expectancy ^[1].
• Systemic nature: The term was designed to highlight the need for self-care and systemic change rather than individual blame ^[1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral and seeks factual information. However, the analyses reveal that simply providing a definition without context could inadvertently contribute to misinformation because:

• The term's meaning has been deliberately distorted by political movements and individuals who benefit from reframing discussions about racism ^[2].
• Conservative political figures and movements benefit from co-opting and redefining terms originally meant to describe the Black experience of racism, as this allows them to shift narratives away from systemic racism discussions ^{[3] [2]}.
• Providing only the original definition without acknowledging its current misuse could leave readers unaware of how the term is being weaponized in contemporary political discourse ^{[2] [4]}.

The question itself is not biased, but answering it without full context about the term's controversial evolution and political manipulation would provide an incomplete picture of its current usage and significance.