Oppression and Diversity Assignment PDF Essay Example

Oppression and Diversity Assignment PDF Essay Example Oppression and Diversity Assignment PDF Essay Oppression and Diversity Assignment PDF Essay The oppressed individual or rope is devalued, exploited, and deprived of privileges by the individual or group who has more power (up. 306-307). As this is a universal definition, the Invisible Backpack article allowed me to see oppression from a unique viewpoint, recognizing that as we experience unearned power and strength, we are viewed by others as oppressive to white privileged. Oppression comes in various forms, each experienced differently by different members of society. A few different forms of oppression are; sexism, ageism, classicism, heterosexual, and most recognized, racism. For example, McIntosh states; A white person, I realized had been taught about racism as something that puts others at a disadvantage, but has been taught not to see one of its corollary aspects, white privilege, which puts me at an advantage. (McIntosh, 1998) This is exactly what was taught throughout all of my schooling, never once was racism put into the perspective of putting myself at an advantage, it has always been looked at as a negative/disadvantage for those experiencing it. Sexism, classicism and ageism are three forms of oppression that are experienced by society each day, although not all are addressed. As humans, surrounded by diversity, we recognize how fortunate we are to not be experiencing oppression, but in reality we are oppressive towards such feeling, thus being unconscious of them. 3 Being part of the female population, there has never been a shortage of sexism experiences, especially within the workplace. Not only have personally experienced it, but I view occurrences on a daily basis. Sexism can be defined as a form of discrimination against a specific gender, it describes the ideology of one gender being more superior than another. Can also be toed as a system of ideas, both conscious and subconscious that humans feel, this can be from their family development, professional setting or their colonization. (STEM, 201 5) Being a woman is a privilege. Experiencing oppression due to gender is not. I have been discriminated against in my places of work, in each circumstance my boss had been a male. Although this may have been a coincidence, sexism experienced had thought to have been normal and acceptable?. Having white privilege, which allowed me to obtain the positions had put myself in the mind frame that it was tolerable for a ale within higher positions to treat and address me how they did. For example; within one of my recent positions, I offered ideas to senior management which instantly led to being called, and told am a good girl. Is a male ever told he is a good boy by other male management? Also, when in discussions and male colleges accuse me of menstruating. These are just a couple ways women of all races experience sexism within the workplace. What about that statement is acceptable towards a female from a male? I do have white privilege, this may be why I received these positions, but my ender does not stop the oppression experienced within such circumstances. Classicism is one of the most undisguised, unacknowledged forms of oppression in todays society. The issue of social class may be one of the most exclusive of the social ills that is confronting humans currently. Class can be perspectives defined as; the status an individual or group achieves by virtue of its economic strength, the influence among other groups, and the 4 power to affect change in its community of choice. From an opposite perspective, classicism is the systematic oppression of subordinated groups, ho work for wages for the dominant groups. (Brattles, 2003) When reviewing the article The Invisible Backpack, as McIntosh says, l have come to see white privilege as an invisible package of unearned assets which I can count on cashing in each day, but about which I was meant to remain oblivious. (McIntosh, 1998) Personally, having never experienced classicism, it seemed nearly impossible to envision the oppression those less fortunate are experiencing. Eve not earned where am in life today, I did not work to make my living. It was handed to me. Now having deeper understanding of oppression, diversity and privilege through the eyes of an invisible backpack, it is clear to identify daily effects and benefits white privilege has given me. I can leave work/school and go home to a large house in the country with a large amount of land, never having to worry will not be able to make a payment. I can wear second hand clothes if I choose without having people associate the style with negative stereotypes, or can buy expensive fashions without fear my card will be declined. I can be confident that my neighbors or associates in the location I live will be neutral and positive towards me, also hat they have similar values and beliefs. Reviewing the privileges I unknowingly received from classicism, there are also steps will take to remove myself from a classicist mind frame. For example; learning more about the history and experience of all working and impoverished people, open myself to experience the language and culture Of working peoples, and by claiming my identity, learning my history as a dominant group. As we, (the dominant us fornicated groups) recognize classicism, further work towards creating change can occur. As we work in conjunction, all members of society no tater class, can make progression towards a class-free society (Brattles, 2003). 5 Ageism is a form Of oppression which refers to two concepts: a socially constructed way of thinking about older persons based on negative attitudes and stereotypes about aging and a tendency to structure society based on an assumption that everyone is young, thereby failing to respond appropriately to the real needs of older persons. (ROACH, 201 5) In Canada, seniors make up the fastest growing population. In 2011, Employment and Social Development Canada found that 5. 0 million Canadians were 65 years of age and older, thin the next 25 years that number is expected to double to reach 10. 4 million, and by 2051 one in four Canadians is expected to be over 65 years in age. (HERDS, 201 5) Ageism is not taken as seriously as many forms of dis crimination, although can have similar economic, psychological and social impacts. Elderly members of society have few privileges. Relationships between elder maltreatment and affiliation to an oppressed group has not been adequately investigated and their voices are rarely solicited or requested. Elderly experience oppression In workplaces, shopping centers, hurry, and most knowingly, senior care centers. As a young woman, have the privilege of not yet having to experience oppression of age. For instance; have the opportunity to apply for the same position as an elderly person, and few doubts about receiving the position, and I do not have to be concerned with mistreatment or stereotypical circumstances within the place resign. As white privilege has allowed unconscious benefits to occur within myself, I has not recognized what I had taken advantage of regarding my age. Ageism will occur to each member of society at one point within their life, although experiencing the privilege of youth currently, oppression of age comes as years pass. Anti-oppressive social work involves intervention that is not confined to individuals but that spans the social structural level of society. It involves critical reflection about oppression and 6 its harmful effects on clients and action based learning from such reflection. (Heinous Aspartame, 2006) A career in social work involves working with diverse populations such as; different race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, age, etc. Going into a case with an open mind allows for diverse opportunities of growth, understanding and expression, which in turn will alleviate the chances of a social worker oppressing their client. One of the most common forms of oppression t hat social workers hear from their clients is racism. Having never personally experienced race oppression myself, my attempt would be to remind myself of White privilege, how although unknown and subconscious privileges, not all members in society received this. From the Invisible Backpack I was able to see what experienced in life from an unusual viewpoint, focusing on the unfair, unearned privileges I achieved. Social workers goal is to alleviate poverty; liberate vulnerable and oppressed people with the ultimate aim to promote social inclusion (International Federation of Social Workers, 2012). As a social worker, I will work with my clients to reflect on oppression theyve experienced by working from two viewpoints; anti-oppressive practice (POP) and anti-discriminatory practice (ADAPT). POP strives to overcome oppression by focusing on more expansive issues of discrimination that society is experiencing as it is perpetuated by social systems, class and structures. From this practice, clients will reflect on not only how they feel, but also where they feel the root of oppression is and how to overcome it. Looking at the larger social systems will open a wider perspective for our clients, allowing greater change to be made. ADAPT directs attention towards minimizing and reducing oppression which is from one individual to another. (Module 5, 201 5) As a worker, incorporating this form of anti-oppressive practice will allow for individuals to personally reflect on their direct experiences, how they felt during and after, and what they felt the other person gained from the discrimination. As social works we must indicate and demonstrate complete care for our clients interests and concerns, by limiting professional practice areas to focus on rooted issues. As social workers we expect our clients to reflect on their circumstances and emotions, are we expected to do the same for ourselves? Previously was unaware of the severity of oppression and the unconscious effects white privilege can have on not only ourselves, but also those around us. McIntosh compares male privilege to that of white privilege stating that, Thinking wrought unacknowledged male privilege as a phenomena, I realized that, since hierarchies in our society are interlocking, there is most likely a phenomena of white privilege that was similarly denied and protected. (McIntosh, 1998) Being someone who has only experienced sexism as a form of oppression, I cannot honestly say that I understand what those going through, are feeling. Although, with saying that, now having a clear definition of what oppression is,and its forms, outcomes, and effects, will allow for more diversity within client sessions. Also, from this article I was able to specifically realize what a benefi cial impact white privilege has had on my life, but yet also realizing how oblivious I was to oppression and others view of myself. Minch, a colleague of Macintoshs, expressed that a white people we are taught to think of their lives as normative, neutral and average, so that when we work to benefit others it is seen as work that will allow them to be more like us. I do not want to be a white person who uses white privilege to their advantage. Becoming a social worker, my mind is focused on the fatty, security and well-being of my client. If our clients are unsure of our authenticity towards the helping profession they may not feel open to discussing their experiences of oppression as they fear we may judge them. As my personal awareness on oppression and diversity has expanded, realization of the importance of open dialogue with colleagues and mentoring students on how to incorporate anti-oppressive principles in practice is also fundamental to reflecting upon power and oppression in social work practice. (Johns, 2013) Although oppression can ever be completely rid of, there are ways to greatly decrease its prevalence. Each person will experience oppression, each in a varying forms.