Posted: June 13th, 2023

Biases And Oppression

Biases And Oppression.
Have you ever been oppressed? After reviewing this week’s material, have you realized that you might have been the oppressor, even unconsciously? We have read about areas of oppression and biases. In his video, Dushaw Hockett challenges us to consider our biases. In this discussion, let’s talk about our experiences.

For your opening post:

If you can identify a situation where you were oppressed in one of the areas listed, share your story.
If you cannot identify a situation where you were oppressed but realized you have a bias, share your story and how you may have oppressed someone or might have done so in the future before you were made aware of it.
Since these are personal stories, there is no need to support your story with references.

Submission Instructions:

Initial post should be a minimum of 450 words.

___________________________
Oppression as a Constitutive Element

Oppression in the Context of Social Justice

In the realm of social justice, oppression refers to the discrimination and unfair treatment of individuals or groups by various entities such as governments, private organizations, individuals, or other groups (Head, 2021). The term “oppression” originates from the Latin root “opprimere,” which means to press down. Social justice-related oppression takes on various forms, and twelve main categories are highlighted here. It is important to note that these categories describe behavioral patterns rather than belief systems. Even individuals who strongly advocate for social equality can unknowingly perpetuate oppression through their actions. Often, these categories of oppression overlap, resulting in individuals experiencing multiple forms of oppression and privilege simultaneously. The term “intersectionality” is used to describe the experience of facing different forms of oppression based on various intersecting aspects of one’s identity (Head, 2021).

Intersectionality

Intersectionality refers to the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, which create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage (Oxford Dictionary).

Intersectionality offers a framework for understanding how individuals, groups, or social issues are affected by multiple forms of discrimination and disadvantage. It recognizes that people’s identities and experiences are shaped by overlapping factors, leading to complex convergences of oppression. Intersectional theory acknowledges that individuals often face multiple sources of oppression based on their race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and other identity markers.

The term “intersectionality” was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, although the theory itself emerged earlier when black feminists began highlighting the white, middle-class nature of the mainstream feminist movement. Today, intersectionality is widely recognized as crucial in the pursuit of social equity. Activists and community organizations advocate for more inclusive conversations that acknowledge and address the diverse experiences of individuals with overlapping identities. Without an intersectional lens, efforts to combat injustice against one group may inadvertently perpetuate inequities against others.

Contemporary Manifestations of Oppression

Oppression manifests itself in various ways, as shown in Table 1: Manifestation of Oppression:

Term Description
Sexism The belief that men are superior to women based on sex, which forces women into subordinate and restrictive roles and men into dominant and competitive roles.
Heterosexism The assumption that everyone is heterosexual, leading to discrimination, restriction of partner rights, and even violence against those who identify as non-heterosexual.
Cisgenerationalism or cisnormativity Discrimination against and disregard for individuals who do not identify with their assigned sex at birth or the associated gender roles.
Classism The social pattern in which wealthier or influential individuals congregate among themselves and oppress those who are less privileged, setting rules for upward mobility between classes.
Racism The belief in the genetic inferiority of people of other races, leading to systemic, social, and institutional power being used to discriminate against and oppress them.
Colorism Treating individuals differently based on the darkness or lightness of their skin, often resulting in preferential treatment for lighter-skinned individuals within racial or ethnic groups.
Capacitism Treating individuals with disabilities differently and often failing to accommodate their needs or disregarding their independence.
Conception of beauty Treating individuals differently based on whether their appearance aligns with social ideals of beauty in a particular culture.
Sizeism/Gordophobia Discrimination against individuals based on their body size, with thinner individuals typically being considered more attractive in contemporary Western society.
Ageism Treating individuals differently based on their age, often leading to discrimination against older individuals in various contexts, such as employment or media representation.
Nativism or Xenophobia | Prejudice and discrimination against individuals based on their nationality or immigrant status, often fueled by fear or resentment towards outsiders or perceived threats to national identity.
Religious Discrimination | Discrimination against individuals based on their religious beliefs or practices, which can manifest as exclusion, persecution, or the denial of rights and opportunities.
Language Discrimination | Treating individuals differently based on their language proficiency or use, often leading to the marginalization of non-dominant languages and the dominance of a particular language or dialect.
These forms of oppression are deeply ingrained in social structures and institutions, perpetuating systemic inequality and marginalization. It is essential to recognize and challenge these manifestations of oppression to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

Effects of Oppression

Oppression has significant and far-reaching effects on individuals and communities. Some of the common effects include:

Denial of Rights: Oppressed individuals and groups often face limited access to basic human rights, such as education, healthcare, employment, and legal protections. Their voices and perspectives may be marginalized or silenced.

Inequality and Marginalization: Oppression reinforces social hierarchies and power imbalances, resulting in the marginalization and exclusion of certain individuals or groups from mainstream society. This leads to disparities in opportunities, resources, and outcomes.

Psychological and Emotional Impact: Experiencing oppression can have profound psychological and emotional effects, including feelings of powerlessness, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and trauma. These effects can impact individuals’ overall well-being and quality of life.

Interpersonal Relationships: Oppression can strain relationships between individuals from different social groups. It can create division, mistrust, and conflict, making it challenging to build inclusive and harmonious communities.

Internalized Oppression: Individuals who face long-term oppression may internalize negative stereotypes and beliefs about themselves, which can hinder their self-empowerment and perpetuate cycles of oppression.

Intersecting Oppressions: Intersectionality emphasizes that individuals often face multiple forms of oppression simultaneously. The compounding effects of intersecting oppressions can exacerbate the challenges and marginalization experienced by individuals and communities.

Combating Oppression

Addressing oppression requires a multifaceted approach that involves individuals, communities, institutions, and governments. Here are some strategies for combating oppression:

Education and Awareness: Promote education and awareness about different forms of oppression, their consequences, and the importance of social justice. Foster critical thinking and empathy to challenge biases and stereotypes.

Intersectional Approaches: Recognize and address the interconnected nature of oppressions through an intersectional lens. Advocate for inclusive policies, programs, and initiatives that consider the diverse experiences and needs of marginalized groups.

Allyship and Advocacy: Stand in solidarity with oppressed individuals and communities. Use privilege and power to amplify marginalized voices and advocate for their rights and equality. Engage in active allyship and learn from the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities.

Policy and Systemic Change: Advocate for policy reforms and systemic changes that promote equity and dismantle oppressive structures. Push for anti-discrimination laws, inclusive policies, and representation in decision-making processes.

Community Building: Foster inclusive and supportive communities that value diversity and promote equality. Encourage dialogue, collaboration, and cooperation among individuals from different backgrounds. Create safe spaces for marginalized groups to share their experiences and be heard.

Self-Reflection and Growth: Engage in self-reflection to identify and challenge personal biases and prejudices. Continuously educate oneself about different cultures, identities, and experiences to foster understanding and empathy.

Collaboration and Solidarity: Join forces with like-minded individuals, organizations, and movements that aim to combat oppression and promote social justice. Collaborate across different sectors to create collective

References
Pathologies of Power. (2005). Health, Human Rights, and the New War on the Poor. University of California Press. Pérez-Garzón, C. A. (January 2018). Unveiling the meaning of social justice. Mexican Law Review, 10(2) 27-66. Thompson, N. (2002). Social movements, social justice, and social work. The British Journal of Social Work, 32(6) 711–72

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