Oppression And Discrimination In Society

An individual does not have to look far to see examples of oppression and discrimination in our society today. According to Frye (1983), “Oppression is a relationship in which the dominant group benefits from the systematic abuse, exploitation, and injustice directed at a subordinate group” (p55). Although many are aware that the problem of oppression exists in society, there are many who believe that the problem is not as profound as it once was, and minimize it. Individuals are aware of social equality and have good intentions, but are not aware that their actions and thoughts are discriminatory or oppressive. An example of these beliefs would be the negative feelings that individuals have concerning the social welfare system and the individuals …show more content…
It includes advantages varying from institutional settings like systemic discrimination in housing markets, to everyday encounters such as being able to shop in a store without getting followed around by security or employees. White privilege also provides a variety of social and economic benefits, which can be cashed in, to gain a greater power, authority in society, and status upon the white population. As Alice McIntyre stated, “White people’s lack of consciousness about their racial identities has grave consequences that it not only denies white people the experience of seeing themselves as benefiting from racism, but in doing so, frees them from taking responsibility for eradicating it”. Thus saying that the more we try to deny the privilege that we do have because of the color of our skin, the more it oppresses and discriminates other races. This is a struggle that I have dealt with myself. I was not aware of the privileges I was afforded because of the color of my skin. I feel that my own pre-existing belief structure can best be summarized by stating that I was virtually unaware of it. This appears to be a very prevalent misconception in society today. According to Rothenberg …show more content…
As a society, we need to stop denying white privilege and start talking about it. Only by talking about and engaging in conversations about racial oppression and white privilege can we overcome it. It is very easy for individuals to continue in a cycle of discrimination and oppression, when not aware of the problem itself. Oppressive beliefs are a virus that runs rampant in the homes of our children, instilled in them by the ideas and beliefs of those who care for them, and embedded deeply into the cultural landscape of our country. It can only be eradicated by