Struggles with Oppression Terminology
Discuss a time when you may have had difficulty discussing an issue related to oppression, privilege, or intersectionality due to struggles with using the terminology. In this situation, what sort of uncertainty or struggle did you face? What was the outcome? What did you learn from this unit that can help you overcome the struggle when discussing the issue?
-
Describe a time you had difficulty discussing oppression, privilege or intersectionality due to terminology struggles.,
-
What kind of uncertainty or struggle did you face in that situation?,
-
What was the outcome of the situation?,
-
What did you learn from this unit that can help you in the future?,
-
How will this learning help you overcome struggles when discussing these issues moving forward?
Comprehensive General Response:
I recall a time during a class discussion on intersectionality and privilege when I struggled to articulate my thoughts on how race and socioeconomic status intersect to compound systemic oppression. While I understood the concepts mentally, I found it challenging to use precise terminology without feeling like I might misuse the terms or unintentionally offend someone. Specifically, terms like “white privilege,” “microaggressions,” and “systemic oppression” felt weighty, and I was uncertain if I was applying them correctly or overgeneralizing.
This uncertainty caused me to hesitate, fearing that my lack of fluency in academic social justice language might cause misunderstanding or appear insensitive, especially among peers with lived experiences I do not share. The result was that I became overly cautious and contributed less to the discussion, which limited a potentially valuable exchange of perspectives.
From this unit, I learned that terminology is a tool for understanding, not a gatekeeping mechanism. It’s okay to approach these conversations with humility and openness, acknowledging when I am learning and asking clarifying questions. The concept of “intentional listening” and using “I-statements” helps frame discussions respectfully, even when I’m not fully confident in the technical jargon.
Additionally, understanding that intersectionality is not just a buzzword but a framework for recognizing layered identities and systems of power gave me clarity. For example, discussing “the intersection of gender and immigrant status” can be a way to explore unique experiences without needing to label everything perfectly upfront.
Moving forward, I will prioritize active learning and asking questions rather than avoiding the conversation. Instead of fearing missteps, I can engage in dialogue with an attitude of curiosity and respect, which is essential for genuine allyship and advocacy.Struggles with Oppression Terminology