Common Elements Of Oppression

Common Element of Oppression
Many people from many identities experience oppression. There are differences between being oppressed and being the oppressor. To experience oppression means be a part of a minority group that experiences mistreatment that results in feeling less than others who uses power and privilege. Some examples of systems of oppression include racism, sexism, heterosexism, and classism. Dominant groups, which are likely to be the oppressors are enabled by many systems that exert power and control over minority groups. Power is used to oppress those that identify within a targeted community. With this control, and institutional power the dominant group has the ability to limit rights and access to resources such as education,
Issues around prejudice and discrimination are rooted in the common elements of oppression. Particular structures and practices are historically and socially shaped which affects this population. Strategy one that is used to overcome the effects of oppressive elements includes addressing the people who cause the oppression by holding educational forums and safe spaces to share concerns. If the oppressors are not engaged and participating in having conversations around oppression, removing the stereotypes and mistreatment will not be resolved. Holding these safe spaces will eliminate tension amongst other populations towards the African American group, which is seen as the oppressed group. This strategy will increase awareness, decreased negative behaviors, and create a healthy
Education within African American women to be exact. African Americans, women, in particular, have lacked representation and opportunities for leadership roles. To overcome the lack of institutional power women have lead and increased representation in higher education. Racial inequalities have been an influence and problem within the underrepresentation of African Americans. Research shows that “African American faculty members were found to be systematically and significantly disadvantaged on all measures relative to Whites, presenting serious, persistent obstacles to their recruitment, retention, and success” (Allen, 2000). However, there has been an increase in representation in higher education as Freeman states in her article where she conducted a study that explored the barriers for African Americans (Freeman, 2016). Increasing representation can address policy change and implementation of different programs and services needed within the