Photo cred: Fabrice Monteiro, Elephant
The moment the oppressed believe they are inferior or unworthy is a moment the oppressor has won. Every moment the oppressor wins, the more power they perceive to have and the more oppression they inflict (directly and indirectly).
I not only believe this to be true; I also believe it explains the phenomenon and function of internalized oppression:
“Internalized oppression is the turning upon ourselves, upon our families, and upon our own people the distress patterns that result from the … oppression of the (dominant) society.”
From my observations, the majority of oppressed people can only conceptualize freedom in the context of being “saved.” That there’s some cataclysmic event or superhero savior that will swoop in and deliver them from this hell on earth. In this, the oppressed fail to see that their idea of freedom is heavily influenced by the ones who oppress them. Often remaining docile, hoping and praying for better days, but tearing each other apart with apathy, judgment, and violence. All while the oppressors continue to conquer and colonize.
The greatest war tactics are rooted in chaos and confusion, breeding fear and inaction. The greatest war that has yet to be won is the war on the American people by the amerikkkan government. Battle after battle has been fought, from the capitol to the classroom, and the oppressed refuse to give up. Even when it seems they are hellbent on self-depreciation and destruction, there are always more than a few who refuse to remain at war with self and one another. Inspiring their loved ones and peers to think for themselves, and to choose their own unique pathway of recovery free from the undue influence of oppression. So they all may live, thrive, and die free.
Reclaiming our mind, body, and spirit from oppression as individuals is the true revolution. That is where liberation rises and oppression falls. Thus, freedom, much like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
The moment I realized that the hyper-critical voice inside my head was oppressive was the moment I realized I was going to save myself and set myself free.
Circa 2018/19.
Links for further reading and reference:
Google Search: Internalized Oppression
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