Oppression dehumanizes both oppressed and oppressor from "summary" of Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire
Oppression has a profound impact on both the oppressed and the oppressor, stripping them of their humanity and reducing them to mere objects in a system of power dynamics. The oppressed, subject to the oppressive forces at play, are dehumanized as they are denied the opportunity to exercise their agency and assert their own identities. They are reduced to passive recipients of the oppressor's will, deprived of the ability to shape their own destinies and participate fully in society. At the same time, the oppressor is also dehumanized by the act of oppressing others. By wielding power over others and denying them their fundamental rights and freedoms, the oppressor becomes disconnected from their own humanity. They become consumed by a false sense of superiority and entitlement, losing touch with their capacity for empathy and compassion. In this way, both the oppressed and the oppressor are dehumanized by the oppressive system that governs their interactions. This dehumanization perpetuates a cycle of violence and injustice, as both parties are trapped in a destructive relationship that erodes their sense of self-worth and dignity. The oppressed internalize their oppression, accepting their inferior status and internalizing the negative messages they receive from the oppressor. Meanwhile, the oppressor becomes increasingly hardened and callous, seeing the oppressed as mere objects to be controlled and manipulated for their own benefit. In order to break free from this cycle of dehumanization, both the oppressed and the oppressor must engage in a process of critical reflection and dialogue. They must confront the oppressive structures that govern their interactions and work together to dismantle them. By acknowledging the humanity of the other and recognizing their shared humanity, both parties can begin to transcend the oppressive forces that have divided them. Only through this process of conscientização, or critical consciousness, can they begin to reclaim their humanity and forge a more just and equitable society. It is only through recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals that true liberation can be achieved, freeing both the oppressed and the oppressor from the dehumanizing effects of oppression.
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