Examples Of Internalized Oppression

Internalized oppression is the process in which a member of an oppressed group such as women or African Americans come to accept the myths and stereotypes applied to this particular group. People from that oppressed group start to believe that the stereotypes about them are true. After they start to believe the negative stereotypes they then begin to act them out. There are a countless number of myths in todays society. For instance a common example of internalized oppression of women is mentioned by Marily Frye. She states, “It is common in the Unites States that women, especially younger women, are in a bind where neither sexual activity nor sexual inactivity is all right.” (P. 150) There is a double standard here. If a heterosexual women is sexually active she has various things to worry about such as pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, or being called a whore for exploring her
I have learned that there is various types of discrimination for example, individual, organizational, and structural. These all exclude members of a certain group, mainly minorities. “Discrimination against minorities and women must now be viewed as an interlocking process involving the attitudes and actions of individuals and the organizations and social structures that guide individual behaviors.” (P. 268) This has taught me that peoples attitudes is what makes them feel as if its alright to discriminate against some one that isn't like them. We live in a society where people may not even think they are oppressing and discrimination against someone because thats how common these issues are. As an individual with a passion to help people understand the severity of discrimination and oppression I hope one day we can live in a society where every person is considered equal. This will take work from not only me but from a society as a