September 21
The Four I's of Oppression
To be able to change the way some of us think and feel, it is crucial to identify WHY we feel that way and what causes those beliefs. Identifying what type of oppression someone may be experiencing can help them figure out where it came from, where it is rooted, and possibly how it can be changed. The text states, "Oppression manifests itself in four overlapping and interdependent ways; individually as internalized oppression; socially as interpersonal oppression; it is reinforced through institutional oppression; and perpetuates across time and space as ideological oppression." These are "the four I's of oppression" and how they come to be and last. They can be learned from one's environment, past knowledge, or even what we think we "should" believe ourselves.
Out of these four types of oppression I think I can identify with and reflect on two the most. Personally, I can relate to ideological oppression, being constantly aware of the possible stereotypes against me because of my gender. Having to make sure I don't show negative emotions publicly, making sure I'm never seen as "overreacting". If I show the slightest bit of anger or sadness, "she must be on her period" or "there she goes again being all emotional.
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I can also relate to experiencing internalized oppression, especially in my late elementary and middle school years. I remember being younger and absolutely hating the color pink because it was seen as "girly" and I didn't want to fit into the stereotypes that came along with that. I didn't want to wear dresses or skirts or have more feminine hobbies. I would often try to follow what my brother would do. Growing up with a sibling in general you have phases of picking on each other, however growing up with a brother, especially around elementary and early middle school you hear, "don't be such a girl" and a lot of other sexist comments. A lot of these stereotypes lead me to almost be embarrassed of being a girl and being associated with certain things. I didn't want to be seen as weak or emotional so I was constantly trying to prove myself to others, and I think this is a common experience for many other women.
I like how you included your experiences with ideological and internalized oppression. I have also had similar experiences to what you mentioned in your reflection, such as pushing myself away from being more feminine when I was younger due to fearing the stereotypes that came with it.
ReplyDeleteHi Alana, Like Olivia said, I have had many similar experiences to what you shared in your reflection! I think it is so interesting that many girls probably felt this way in elementary school. Going through school and trying to stay as far under the radar as possible was important to me due to my anxiety. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone; I also grew up hating pink while my sister was the pink child. Our siblings colors were pink and blue and because of that I was always seen as a "tomboy." I do not have anything against tomboys, but for me I never understood it because I still liked dress up, Barbies, and being a mom, but because I did not like pink or dresses I lost my femininity?
ReplyDeleteHi Alana! I can totally relate to your own experiences as I have had those same experiences! There have been so many times where I have been emotional about something that was messed up and if I showed those emotions I would get the "Are you PMS-ing?" question. It's really sad that if a women is emotional, it is automatically assumed that she's hormonal, but if she's not emotional at all, she's coldhearted. It's like no matter what, we can't win because of the stereotypes that have become normal.
ReplyDeleteHi Alana! I appreciate you sharing this personal thought. Your encounters with internalized and ideological oppression bring to light the subtle but common ways in which cultural norms can influence our identities and conduct. The way stereotypes may make you feel under pressure to repress your feelings or reject aspects of who you are in order to fit into a specific category is disheartening. Many people struggle with the pressure to not appear "too emotional," and it annoys me how easily people can minimize real emotions with negative comments. The idea of shunning stereotypically feminine items, such as the color pink, shows the extent people would go to in order to disassociate themselves from stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteHi! I believe this is a common experience for women to go through, especially in the middle school years when you're exploring you identity. It shows we need to push back against these ideas.
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