Oppression as a systemic issue from "summary" of The Student Guide to Freire's 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed' by Antonia Darder
Oppression is not simply a matter of individual actions or attitudes; rather, it is deeply embedded within the structures and systems of society. As Freire argues, oppression is a systemic issue that permeates every aspect of our lives, from education to politics to economics. This systemic nature of oppression means that it is not enough to simply address individual acts of discrimination or prejudice. Instead, we must work to dismantle the systems and structures that perpetuate oppression in the first place. In understanding oppression as a systemic issue, we must also recognize that it is not solely the result of the actions of a few individuals. Rather, oppression is upheld by the power dynamics that exist within society, which serve to maintain the status quo and perpetuate inequalities. These power dynamics are often invisible and taken for granted, making it all the more challenging to challenge and change them. Furthermore, the systemic nature of oppression means that it is often deeply ingrained within our institutions and social norms. This makes it difficult for individuals to recognize and resist oppression, as it is so normalized within society. For example, the education system may perpetuate oppressive practices through curriculum that marginalizes certain groups, or through disciplinary practices that disproportionately affect students of color. In order to address oppression as a systemic issue, we must work to create a more just and equitable society. This requires not only challenging individual acts of discrimination, but also working to transform the systems and structures that perpetuate oppression. It is only through this systemic change that we can truly create a more just and equitable society for all individuals.
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