Faces of oppression padlet by Nataly Cato

Definition

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

I think Marginalization is th exclusion of certain groups from full access to resources, opportunities, and participation in society.

Add one image that captures the definition

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

With which category does marginalization work? Explain each

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

I think marginalization closely relates to or works with powerlessness and violence. Groups that are marginalized tend to have less or a lack of authority and influence, which leaves them feeling powerless and like they can't change their conditions or participate fully with-in society. This exclusion limits their opportunities for skill development and autonomy, which honestly keeps them dependent on the systems that are excluding them. Marginalized groups do face violence simply because of their identity, which also enforces their isolation and vulnerability. The constant threat impacts their freedom and their dignity. I think deepens their social exclusion and reinforces their marginalized status.

What is one effective method of challenging marginalization? Explain with a concrete example. Please include at least one real-life example with a source

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

One effective method of challenging marginalization that we learned in class was peaceful protests and sit-ins. The example we discussed in class was the Independent Living Movement. It was effective in that it provided real change that helped the marginalized group gain the rights and legislation that supported them and their movement. https://www.nilp.org/history-of-independent-living-movement/

How does marginalization connect to exploitation? <--

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

Marginalization is connected to exploitation because when a group is being isolated from economic and social opportunities, which intern limits their access to jobs, fair and equal wages, as well essential resources, it ultimately makes them more vulnerable and susceptible to being exploited by those in power (Capitalists/Government).

Define in your own words

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

Based on the writing I think cultural imperialism is when one group’s culture, values, and way of seeing things are treated as the standard for everyone. The more dominant group’s perspective is accepted as the one that is seen as normal or the norm and the other groups are ignored or seen as different/less valuable in society. It really means that some voices get heard and respected while others are sort of silenced and misrepresented.

In which social categories does cultural imperialism work? List two prominent categories with examples

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

This question confuses me but ill try my best to explain

I think Cultural imperialism works with powerlessness and exploitation. I think it works with powerlessnes in a sense that people from certain groups are often ignored or pushed to the side in favor of the dominant group's ideas. I think this can be seen with women, and mens ideas of women being favored. But The other way I think of it is with Latina women and how they are often stereotyped in movies or TV as being like super passionate and dramatic, which I feel like can reduce their experiences and their daily lives to one view and can hide their true individuality. Which can make people feel invisible or less valuble and like they can't make a change in turn feeling powerless against this stereotypical cycle.

I think it works with exploitation because womens bodies are being exploited for that of the mens/dominant view/perspective. We see tv, commercials, and social media dictate what a women should be and if you use this product or act this way becuase of this or watch a certain show you will fit into that view, we are being exploited. Things like the pink tax as well, I have to shave so I can not be hairy because men dont like it but because I am a women and this razor is pink i have to pay a little extra than the mens razors.

What is double-consciousness? Define, based on your own life experience

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

Double consciousness to me, is the feeling of seeing myself through other people’s eyes while also trying to stay true to who I am and not care what they have to say or think. As a Latina and a bigger woman, I often feel like I’m viewed in ways that don’t fit who I am or don't fit into the stereotypical societal norm of being a women. I’m aware that society has some very narrow views about beauty, often linking it to thinness, and stereotypes about Latina women., like haveing long black hair, and curvy figures, large breasts and large butts. This makes me feel split because on one side, I want to be authentic and fit into this stereotype because I feel like if I dont I am ostracized and like I need to fit into an object that men say I need to be as a women, but on the other, I feel judged by others’ limited views. It’s like always balancing between two different pictures of myself.

What are some ways to get rid of cultural imperialism (you can focus on how to get rid of double-consciousness)?

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

One way I think we can reduce cultural imperialsim is by making sure that people from all kinds of background have a chance to share their own stories within media, education and other areas. We need more made for women by women, we need more podcasts or tv shows, and videos where women tear down the stereotypical view and allow women, girls, and children to see that its okay to be different and that there isn't just one idolized version of what and who you are supposed to be or feel. I also think having community and having community support is a powerful way to counter double consciousness as well. I think when we connect with others who have similar experiences or feel similarly, it sort of reinforces a more positive self view and makes us feel proud and supported in our identity.

Definition from Young's article--quote relevant part

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

"The process of the transfer of the results of labor from one group to another"

Add one image that captures the definition

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

https://www.simplypsychology.org/capitalism-vs-marxism.html

With which social categories does exploitation work? Explain each.

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

I think for exploitation the main social categories we observed were Race, Class, and Gender. Class because in our capitalist systems, the working class creates their value through labor power, but the Capitalists/business owners take most of the profit, leaving workers with lower wages and little to no power. This continues the cycle of the rich being richer and the workers being poorer and struggling. Gender, especially women in societies where the men dominate, are often doing work that they are unpaid for or are being paid very low, for example, caregiving and or household chores, this benefits the men or companies because they contribute a lot but aren't getting anything out of it. Lastly, race because POC/racial minorities are being forced into lower-paying jobs (Maids, bellhops, etc). These jobs are really only benefiting the wealthy people who are from the dominant racial groups, whereas the exploited working class remains poor and underrepresented within positions of power.

How is this face relevant to you, and your community?

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

This face is relevant to my community because exploitation is very prominent in our everyday lives, for me, it shows up in my community because people are working hard but not getting the full benefits of their work. As someone who is Latina, I also see how traditional gender roles lead to the exploitation of Latina women, who often do low-wage or unpaid work for example caregiving or house cleaning. The efforts of these women often benefit wealthier people or men, while the women doing the work don’t gain wealth or power.

What is one example of method to challenge this face of oppression?

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

One effective method that was talked about to fight this face of oppression was through unions. Unions help workers come together and demand better pay and or working conditions. By organizing and standing up together we can fight for fair pay, and better working conditions, but also the working class can challenge the unfair systems like capitalism that exploit them.

What does it mean that violence is a social practice, beyond being individual victimization?

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

I think that when we are saying violence is a social practice it means that it is not just something random or a singular individual but that it is something that is built into how we as a society function. It happens repeatedly to certain groups of people because of who they are and it happens in different ways as well. Groups that are affected include women, people of color, or LGBTQ+ individuals. I think that these acts of violence are normalized in society, making them feel very inevitable. It goes beyond individual victimization as well because at times a larger group of people are affected by the threat of some kind of violence, and fear is instilled in them and that in itself is a form of terrorism.

In which social categories does violence work? Give an example to illustrate.

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

I think violence often targets people or groups based on their identity so the social categories that violence works include gender, race, and or sexual orientation. An example of this is how, as women, we face the threat of sexual violence and the fear of violence and rape, and many people of color experience police brutality, hate crimes, and the fear of violence. I think that these acts really show how violence enforces inequality, and how it keeps certain groups fearful and powerless. I think a good example of this could be the women working in maquiladoras, for one they are often chosen for these jobs because they are stereotyped as having a better attention span than men and having more attention to detail than men. They also work in very unsafe conditions, face frequent injuries, and rarely receive any compensation or help. The factories target women, but especially the native women living in the region, they target women from marginalized communities and making them vulnerable to exploitation. I think this pattern shows how violence and exploitation reinforce inequality and keep certain groups powerless while sending the message that their well-being doesn’t really matter. I think violence works through the social categories of gender and race/ethnicity, and maquiladoras are a good example of this. The violence comes from the exploitative working conditions. I think this shows how systemic violence is operating by exploiting and oppressing people based on their identities.

How would cultural imperialism promote violence as a social practice?

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

I think Cultural imperialism promotes violence because it makes one group’s culture or ideas the norm or dominant standard/view, which not only creates hostility toward those who are different but also makes the people feel as though they need to change to fit into these norms/standards creating double consciousness. When we see marginalized groups challenge the dominance/standards, it can lead to some very violent reactions from those trying to defend their power and maintain their control. For example, people who defy gender norms might face harassment or attack because their existence isn't that of the traditional ideas. We talked about a law in class that allowed straight men to hit or physically harm a gay/queer man if they hit on them and it made them uncomfortable, i think it was called the reaction law or something like that. That shows how the norm doesn't want to change and how they feel threatened by the difference even going as far as to make a law to allow this type of violence to occur because they are different. I think this connection shows how violence is used to sort of enforce who is in control of the cultural. The system allows these actions to happen by ignoring them, sliding them under the rug, and excusing them.

Definition in your own words

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

Bases on the reading I think powerlessness is when people don’t have or aren't allowed the control over their work or choices and rely on those who have more authority, voice, or power to make the decisions.

How does powerlessness relate to exploitation/marginalization?

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

Powerlessness connects to exploitation and marginalization because it stops people from fully participating in society. In exploitation, people are used for labor but don’t get fair rewards or recognition, and in marginalization, people are left out of opportunities, and society makes them more dependent on others. I think the key factor for each is that someone is being dependent on someone for something.

In which social categories does powerlessness work?

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

I think powerlessness mainly works or affects most, if not all, of the social categories, but more specifically, the ones I think mostly apply are class, race, and gender, and I think it can even be said to be religion. But is especially evident for people who can’t make important decisions or control their decisions/work.

We discussed code-switching as a potential way to challenge (linguistic) powerlessness. Share your reflection on code-switching if it is an effective way.

caton1_1 — 2024-09-24 23:59:54 UTC

I'm not sure what was discussed about code-switching since I was out for my grandpa's funeral but, I think code-switching, or changing the way we speak or act in different settings/times can definitely help challenge linguistic powerlessness. I think it allows people to fit into spaces where their usual way of speaking or acting might not be accepted. I think it can be helpful in some situations but it can also be tiring since it involves changing parts of yourself to meet others' expectations, which shouldn't be our standards because it can lead to not being our true selves for others.