Blog # 2 "The Four I's of Oppression"

Oppression exists across all systems in our social environment. This video explains how oppression can take different forms. For example, ideological oppression begins before we are even born. Our gender and race have already impacted how we will be viewed in the world. The connotations that go along with our gender and race are already impacting us. Interpersonal oppression is rooted in our social interactions. The oppression may stem from different social environments (school, workplace, in public). Interpersonal oppression can take the form of microaggressions or back-handed comments (not always overt displays). Institutionalized oppression stems from systems and institutions. These institutions are put in place in a society where ideological oppression is a major influence. This ideological oppression carries into the systems that build institutions. Examples of this include subsidized housing and school departments receiving different levels of funding related to their zip codes/tax levels. Internalized oppression is the kind that feels personal. It can be described as the "feeling" you get when you know you are not being treated fairly. As described in the video, "the feeling before the knowing". The video also talks about a "dominant narrative" in a society where we are presented with the "norm" or acceptable to society. If we identify as anything other than the norm it can produce feelings of inadequacy and internalized oppression.