Understanding Oppressive Systems

How Injustice Shows Up in Our Lives

“There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” – Audre Lorde

Keys to Understanding Oppressive Systems

Here are our main keys to understanding oppressive systems:

• Understand how different forms of identity and oppression intersect.
• Oppression and injustice show up in systems and cultures, not just individual behaviors.
• Characteristics of White Western Dominant Culture: ability to ignore privilege, listening more closely to those who are assertive/outspoken, instituting individual/hierarchical leadership over collective leadership, those with privilege are still respected even if they operate outside of dominant cultural norms.

Theory of Intersectionality

Intersectionality is a framework for studying how various structures of oppression overlap and function. Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw coined the phrase “intersectionality,” specifically referring to how antiracist and feminist theory function at the intersection of Black women’s identity, and how both racism and misogyny are mutually reinforcing to produce specific kinds of oppression.

In recent years, the term “intersectionality” has often been misused to refer to a “piling on” of various structures of oppression (thinking of racism and classism, for example, as producing a separate set of symptoms of oppression). Instead of the definition of intersectionality as a critical framework for understanding what happens at the intersection of these structures. 

Intersectionality is the name of a way to study how identities behave. This is a living and ever-changing study.

Whiteness and Racism

Overview of Whiteness

Akiba Solomon and Kenrya Rankin write in How We Fight White Supremacy: A Field Guide to Black Resistance, “It is not merely a belief that to be White is to be better. It is a political, cultural and economic system premised on the subjugation of people who are not White. That subjugation takes on an infinite number of forms and is enforced with varying degrees of physical violence, mental abuse and robbery.”

Racism shows up in all parts of our culture, institutions, groups, and interactions. 

Characteristics of White Western Dominant Culture 

• Ability to ignore privilege.
• Listening more closely to those who are assertive/outspoken. 
• Instituting individual/hierarchical leadership over collective leadership.
• Those with privilege are still respected even if they operate outside of dominant cultural norms.

Solutions to Tackle Racism

Here is a starting list of things we can do to tackle our culture of whiteness and racism:

• Intentionally talk about race and its impact. Often being “color blind” can lead to racism persisting, so you need to be able to honestly and openly confront the power dynamics of race.
• Disrupt group cultures that prioritize one way of acting, thinking, and behaving. 
• Tackle racism at all levels: individual, interpersonal, institutional, and systems.
• Prioritize economic resources to those most impacted. Wealth has continued to concentrate in white communities, therefore finding ways for your team, organization, or community to prioritize economic opportunity for non-white communities is essential (e.g., if you are at a nonprofit, ensure at least 50% of the staff budget goes to non-white folks). 
• Push for antiracist policies. Ibram X. Kendi notes “An antiracist policy is any measure that produces or sustains racial equity between racial groups.” He notes changing policy led by those most impacted by current racist policy is critical to creating long-term change.

Normalcy and Ableism

Overview of Normalcy and Ableism

StopAbleism.org writes ableism is, “The practices and dominant attitudes in society that devalue and limit the potential of persons with disabilities. A set of practices and beliefs that assign inferior value (worth) to people who have developmental, emotional, physical or psychiatric disabilities.” 

Michael Warner notes in The Disability Studies Reader that here in the U.S., “[being] normal probably outranks all other social aspirations.” 

Culture of Ableism and Normalcy Characteristics

Here are some ways our culture of normalcy demonstrates itself:

• Creates the illusion that a normal way of living, acting, and being actually exists. We must not deem any life “abnormal” just because they have a different way of learning, communicating, or moving. For example, many in the Deaf community view themselves as part of a linguistic minority rather than having a disability.
• Forces compulsion to be like everyone else. One example of this is for school photos that involve students in wheelchairs. Parents or staff will often set up photos so that they hide the wheelchair, and, thus, makes the kid seem “normal.” If our society did not have such a fear of difference, then it would not matter whether someone used a wheelchair, communicated differently, etc. or not.
• Pushes people to “overcome a disability” rather than seek societal changes. The phrase “overcoming a disability,” Simi Linton notes in Reassigning Meaning, puts a huge emphasis on the disabled to work harder rather than focusing on what our society needs to do to change. This also steers those with disabilities to internalize oppression by thinking they must “do more” to “overcome their disability,” even if that should not be the message we send.
• Assumes that a life with disability must be full of suffering. Marsha Saxton in The Disability Studies Reader writes, that impairments (e.g., mental or physical) are an inconvenience, however “It is discriminatory attitudes and thoughtless behaviors, and the ensuing ostracism and lack of accommodation, that makes life difficult.” Even those with painful disabilities would be better served if people focused less on their pain, and instead how to treat them as human.

Solutions to Tackle Ableism/Normalcy

Here are a starting list of things we can do to tackle our culture of ableism: 

• Show disability as just another part of human identities (e.g., gender or class), and stop sensationalizing it (e.g., heroes and villains). We should see people with disabilities represented living, working, raising families, having joys/sorrows, etc. just as we do for every other identity.
• End the use of ableist language and promote the (numerous) alternatives. Avoid using “crazy,” “nuts,” “psycho,”,”insane,” “retarded,” and “lame.” 
• Stop promoting a certain able-bodied life as the only full way to live. This way of talking (e.g., suffering from or afflicted with) heightens the view of those with disabilities as passive and victims. This should not be our automatic view.
• Focus on treating society, not just the individual. When society thinks of disability only in medical terms, we miss an opportunity to address oppression and injustice. While the medical system has produced tremendous benefits for some with disabilities and saved lives, it has also contributed to the idea that those with disabilities are suffering and must be fixed to live a normal life.

• Develop policies/programs based on accommodation, instead of dividing and eliminating. Instead of setting limits on what we think people can do, we should be creating initiatives that emphasize supporting a person in adapting to life based on their disabilities.
• Engage in confidence building and ending the mindset of self-oppression. Instead, if we taught each other, disabled and nondisabled, to focus less on the limits of impairments and focus more on how we can adapt to whatever our situation is to achieve the most we can, likely more people would be living fulfilling and independent lives.
• Support the Disabled community’s push for self-determination. The Disabled community aims for self-sufficiency and self-determination, not more programs that keep them away from their own sovereignty. 

Culture of Modern Colonialism

Overview of the Culture of Modern Colonialism

Franz Fanon’s statement, “It [Colonialism] is violence in its natural state,” captures the sentiment of colonization as one of the darkest institutions that not only shows up as violence through government/military, but in culture and language as well.

Today colonialism is more than just physical occupation. It also refers to the subjugation of non-Western thoughts, ideas, and values through economic, media, and socio-political control.

Characteristics of the Culture of Colonialism

The three interrelated cultures of assimilation, saving, and appropriation serve as stark examples of how colonialism directly persists in the U.S.

1. Assimilation – “Join us [by force]” 

This narrative of homogeneity, though frequently proclaimed as an idealistic outcome for the country, often expressed itself through forced assimilation. The U.S.’s culture of assimilation forces one to either leave behind all traces of their former heritage or face constant fear and suspicion.

2. Saving – “Our civilization is best, so let us help you”

Groups that resist this western culture of “civilizing” often face the dominant culture’s antagonistic confusion for why they do not want “our [white savior] help.” However, refuting this “civilizing help” is essential for ending our colonialist institutions. Elizabeth Martinez writes in De Colores Means All of Us that one of the most important ways to resist these impacts is by, “rejecting the colonized mentality, that pernicious, destructive process of internalizing a belief in the master’s superiority and our inferiority.”

3. Appropriation – “Now that we’ve taken your land and/or bodies, let’s take your culture too” 

The White Cultural value that people have a “right” to cultures, knowledge, and traditions and that they are free to “share/take” as they wish, has maintained its immovable presence (e.g., the practice of many New Agers to exploit indigenous beliefs). “You can appreciate the music, the lifestyle, the love of the people — but appropriating is where you take the influences you see and completely copy them for your own gain.” – cofounder of The Rum Kitchen Stevie Thomas.

Solutions to Tackle the Culture of Colonialism

As many decolonizing activists note, it is time to move beyond privileged norms and policies pushing for a core culture, while either trying to include or tolerate others. It is time for a Culture of Complex Identities; a culture that not only accepts difference but actively promotes a variety of cultures and simultaneously accepts indigenous groups’ right to cultural sovereignty and self-determination.

Here are some ways we can start to tackle the culture of colonialism within our own groups:

• Identify how you currently maintain a culture of assimilation, appropriation, and “saving” – look at your actions, practices, or policies to get a sense of how you might be limiting the potential of others.
• Resist cultural appropriation. Adrienne Keene, at the site Native Appropriations, describes the main issue of cultural appropriation as, “situated in a colonial power structure that exhibits settler dominated society taking from a marginalized community.” For example, many stories and products are sold as “Native/Indigenous” but are made by non-Native people, thus they are making money off another’s culture.
• Help eliminate erasure tools such as the slogans “We are all immigrants.” Native Americans were born here, African Americans were enslaved and brought here, so resist narratives that prioritize only one narrative.
• Acknowledge American history and do not erase the discriminatory past. However difficult it may be, we must acknowledge our past since the effects are still with us (e.g., intergenerational trauma).

Patriarchy and Sexism

Overview of Patriarchy and Sexism

bell hooks said, “Patriarchy has no gender.” This quote is a clear reminder that patriarchy does not just describe male actions of dominance, but also how some organizations and cultural narratives function.

At its core patriarchy is about centering the role of male individuals, groups, ideas, narratives, cultures, and practices. 

Characteristics of Patriarchy and Sexism

Holds up the traditional male qualities as central, while other qualities are considered subordinate. 

The attributes of power, control, rationality, and extreme competitiveness are examples of these traditional male qualities. Emotional expressiveness, compassion, and the ability to nurture are examples of subordinate qualities in patriarchal systems.

Dualistic and gendered thinking of roles. 

Within this structure, men and women both have their specific roles (e.g., men leading, and women supporting). Even though this view may appear to be fading in some areas, it is clear that certain careers historically associated with women (e.g., childcare and teaching) have disproportionately lower salaries.

Negative frames that perpetuate patriarchal ideas

• “Boys will be boys.” This idea that men are biologically “programmed” to behave certain ways, against all scientific evidence, is one of the biggest cultural narratives that continues our current patriarchal systems.
• Celebrating “macho” or “alpha” men. Jackson Katz, in his book The Macho Paradox, discusses how society often promotes violent and controlling aspects of male culture. From lifting up the “strong” hero to denigrating “sissies,” our language and media foster this image of what “real men” look like.
• Men believing they should be silent, instead of challenging other men on patriarchal and sexist ideas/actions. One of the most insidious characteristics of patriarchy is that it seeks to protect traditional male traits and actions. Even if some men would never subscribe to certain actions/ideas/language, they ignore when their peers commit those very same things.
• “It’s a women’s issue.” Patriarchy and sexual violence impact all genders, so it is an issue for all people. Patriarchy impacts everyone, at all levels of society.

Solutions to Tackle Patriarchy and Sexism

Challenging patriarchy has been ongoing for countless generations, and it will take many more before it can finally be eliminated. This is essential for those of all gender identities. However, there are numerous options that all of us can take to push back against the system of patriarchy, no matter what field or time of life we may be in.

Here are some ways we can start to tackle patriarchy and sexism within our own groups:

• Train men and foster the attitude that men should be proactive in addressing patriarchy. Men need to challenge other men on their patriarchal and sexist ideas/actions. As long as men stand by when these patriarchal events take place, they prop up the oppressive frame that they must be silent.
• Advocate for a definition of consent based on Yes rather than No. Jaclyn Friedman and Jessica Valenti in the book Yes Means Yes describe how consent should be, “given freely and enthusiastically,” rather than making assumptions based on silence or passivity. Additionally, they write “men need to feel empowered to say no also.”
• Teach boys and men how to authentically communicate their emotions and listen empathetically to others. From an early age, few people encourage boys to express their emotions, and many try to encourage boys to hide their emotions. So whether you work with kids, have a child, or want to contribute to reducing sexual violence, we need to train males how to express themselves.
• Reframe patriarchy as an issue for everyone. As bell hooks’ quote from the beginning of this post reminds us, “Patriarchy has no gender,” so it will take all people to combat it.

Antisemitism 

Overview of Antisemitism

“The belief or behavior hostile toward Jews just because they are Jewish. It may take the form of religious teachings that proclaim the inferiority of Jews, for instance, or political efforts to isolate, oppress, or otherwise injure them. It may also include prejudiced or stereotyped views about Jews.” ~ Anti-Defamation League

Characteristics of Antisemitism

• Antisemitism can take the form of religious oppression and/or ethnic/racist oppression. 
• Connecting to conspiracy theories. For example, “Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective — such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.” ~ Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial

Solutions to Tackle Antisemitism

• “Include an analysis of antisemitism alongside…analyses of race, class, and gender oppression.” ~ Carin Mrotz
• “Avoid using anti-Jewish language or making references to Jewish stereotypes – even in jest. Diplomatically bring such stereotypes to the attention of others when they engage in such behavior.” ~ Anti-Semitism: 90 Ways You Can Respond
• “Develop skills to respond appropriately to anti-Semitism in the workplace. This can include a range of actions, from taking a friend aside and pointing out an inadvertent anti-Semitic remark or stereotype to reporting anti-Semitic intimidation or harassment to your human resources department.” ~ Anti-Semitism: 90 Ways You Can Respond

Heterosexism, Homophobia, and Transphobia

Overview of Heterosexism

The Rainbow Resource Centre notes, “Heterosexism is the assumption that heterosexuality is the social and cultural norm as well as the prejudiced belief that heterosexuals, or ‘straight’ people, are socially and culturally superior to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two-Spirit and queer (LGBTTQ) people.”

Characteristics of Heterosexism

West Chester University identifies 3 key elements of heterosexism. 

• “The assumption that all people are heterosexual.”
• “Prejudice and discrimination against persons who are LGBT based on the assumption that heterosexuality is the only “normal” sexual orientation and therefore preferable.”
• “Systemic display of homophobia in societal institutions, laws, and policies by excluding the needs, concerns, and life experiences of persons who are LGBT.”

Solutions to Tackle Heterosexism, Homophobia, and Transphobia

• “Address homophobic [and transphobic] language. If you hear homophobic language being used, address it immediately and let the individual know that this type of language is disrespectful and hurtful.” ~ Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network.
• End the viewpoint that the traditional nuclear family is the ideal. Instead, we should accept and encourage loving, compassionate families of any style and form.