An Analysis Of Iris Young's Five Faces Of Oppression
1. What does it mean to be American? Who gives this identity, and what is imposed on a person with this identity?
To be considered an American one must belong into certain group. Adherence to this group is controlled and stimulated by discrimination and oppression of Others. Furthermore, it is established by marginalization, cultural imperialism, powerlessness and culture of silence that validates access is granted only to those that fit description. To belong to this group one, must be born white, male, wealthy, and healthy. Iris Young claims that “norms”, “habits” and “Symbols” are pushed by American liberal patriarchal, capitalistic, white supremacy to promote what is considered “American” standard. Moreover, limits and rules are being implemented on society to keep status quo in place. Iris Young in Five Faces of Oppression asserts, “well – intentional liberal society can place system- wide constrains on groups and limit their freedom … These societal rules can become a restrictive structure o force and barriers that immobilize and reduce a group or category of people” (Young, 2004).
On the other hand, Sigmund Freud established in Fetishism that people operate on the unconscious level of ID, which governs basic human needs. This theory argues that humans protect themselves from what is considered …show more content…
Powell and Stephen Menendian in The Problem of Othering explain the idea of “tribe – us /them” that is wildly promoted right now. This concept is fueled by prejudice and bias that creates antagonism toward unknown and in the result divide groups, nations etc. American society must stop this vicious cycle of endorsing politicians who are narrow minded businessmen and demagogues only then there is a chance for a transformation of American political, socioeconomic, and cultural system that is obsolete in many levels. In Conclusion, the Other will be most successful in diversified, progressive, and tolerant society that cultivates social justice and
To be considered an American one must belong into certain group. Adherence to this group is controlled and stimulated by discrimination and oppression of Others. Furthermore, it is established by marginalization, cultural imperialism, powerlessness and culture of silence that validates access is granted only to those that fit description. To belong to this group one, must be born white, male, wealthy, and healthy. Iris Young claims that “norms”, “habits” and “Symbols” are pushed by American liberal patriarchal, capitalistic, white supremacy to promote what is considered “American” standard. Moreover, limits and rules are being implemented on society to keep status quo in place. Iris Young in Five Faces of Oppression asserts, “well – intentional liberal society can place system- wide constrains on groups and limit their freedom … These societal rules can become a restrictive structure o force and barriers that immobilize and reduce a group or category of people” (Young, 2004).
On the other hand, Sigmund Freud established in Fetishism that people operate on the unconscious level of ID, which governs basic human needs. This theory argues that humans protect themselves from what is considered …show more content…
Powell and Stephen Menendian in The Problem of Othering explain the idea of “tribe – us /them” that is wildly promoted right now. This concept is fueled by prejudice and bias that creates antagonism toward unknown and in the result divide groups, nations etc. American society must stop this vicious cycle of endorsing politicians who are narrow minded businessmen and demagogues only then there is a chance for a transformation of American political, socioeconomic, and cultural system that is obsolete in many levels. In Conclusion, the Other will be most successful in diversified, progressive, and tolerant society that cultivates social justice and