Oppression In Society

Oppression and privilege are topics that are not talked about in the manor that they should be. Those with privilege, on average, refuse to acknowledge the power they have and are therefore putting other people at risk with their oppressive behavior. Throughout history there has always been an issue with oppressive behaviour, dating as far back as ancient civilizations. The issue remains that though more are speaking out, the lack of education and acknowledgement from those in power support this cycle. From the oppressive state of the government to those who abide by the unfair laws and cause more harm instead of speaking out, this sequence will continue until there is a major change in society. In this paper I will discuss my understanding …show more content…
Laws and people that abuse them are a major reason for oppression to still be a huge factor in a lot of people’s daily life. The reason that privilege is held up in our society is based on the fact that people do not see their privilege. They refuse to look anywhere that might make them slightly uncomfortable and this is now continuing the cycle since no one talks about the problem. Another way that power and privilege are upheld in society is that there are certain job positions that make it hard to not have power, in situations such as a white social worker working with a first nations woman, the social worker will have power. Not only will that power come from her job, but also her position within society and therefore the social worker must understand her privileged and work with her client to create a safe space without the oppressive influence of society. For an example of this power and privilege, I would like to bring up the trial of McKnight vs. Nguyen. McKnight was a white male bartender living with a Vietnamese immigrant. Mr. Nguyen lived in the apartments’ walk in closet yet he still paid Mr. McKnight for rent. One night, Mr. McKnight had tried to bring a girl to his home and was not successful, Mr. Nguyen then teased him for the failed attempt. Enraged McKnight attacked Mr. Nguyen with a machete, Mr. Nguyen barely escaped and ran outside. The