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Critical Analysis

Kendrea Johnson

Social Work 331

University of South Carolina

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Abstract

Social Work 331 is a useful course for future practitioners. I gained a lot of knowledge

and assessment through this course. In this paper, I will discuss how I was able to reflect on my

role in three categories of oppression: religious oppression, transgender oppression, and

adultism. I choose these three oppressions because I gained knowledge on them through Social

Work 331. I will describe examples of my involvement in oppressing each population and how

educating myself has shaped my viewpoint. This paper will display the evolution of my mindset

and how I moved closer to becoming an ally for social justice. Understanding the position of

each population that is oppressed will foster in my learning to engage in dialogue.

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Introduction

Social Work 331: Diversity and Social Justice in Contemporary Society have extensively

broadened my mindset. I enrolled in this course entirely ignorant about the dimensions of

diversity. I was blind to the oppression that I participated in daily. I unintentionally became the

oppressor by failing to acknowledge other peoples’ oppression. In this essay, I want to briefly

analyze three categories of oppression: religious oppression, transgender oppression, and

Adultism. Social Work 331 has made me aware and enriched my education on these three

oppressions. By reflecting, educating, and understanding each category of oppression, I can

begin to translation into the ally for social justice

Religious Oppression

I have always identified as a Christian because I was raised in this culture. I was not

exposed to different types of religion outside of school and my teachers discuss religion in grade

school. I was ignorant about religious oppression because I did not know that it existed in the

United States. Christianity dominated my community. There was always a church not too far

from my house. I assumed that everyone was a Christian because it was the “norm.” I am aware

of freedom of religion, but I found it odd that anyone could participate in any other religious

practice. I became the oppressor, and I would ask them what their purpose in life without God?

At the time, I was not consciously aware of the consequences my actions would bring.

Social Work 331 has allowed me to reflect on my participation in religious oppression. In

Christian Privilege: Breaking a Sacred Taboo by Lewis Schlosser (2013), he gives his readers a

list of Christian Privileges to dwell on. I was not aware that only saying Merry Christmas could

offend and or exclude a community. It is better to say Happy Holidays to include all
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communities and display respect for their religion. During a profession setting, it’s critical to

acknowledge and respect a client’s religious belief. For example, I would not display scripture

verses or a crucifix in my office because I want to provide an inclusive environment. Extracting

my religious belief out of work and politics will allow me to grow professionally.

Transgender Oppression

My sexual orientation never crossed my mind growing up. I always knew I was a girl and

how girls should behave because of the influence from my community. I never understood the

difference between sex and gender until my first year of college. I was not aware of the LGBTQ

community until high school, but I showed a lack of respect towards individuals who were

gender non-conforming. I played a role in marginalizing the LGBTQ community because I

convinced myself that they were confused. I internalize the stigma that the LGBTQ community

created their problems.

I was oblivious about the LGBTQ community. I was taken back when I learned how

much oppression they encounter daily. I thought about all my classmates in high school that I

disrespected because I was close-minded. When Social Work 331 begin educating me on

transgender oppression, the different types of terms and orientations amazed me. Currently, I still

have trouble trying to implement this knowledge of the LGBTQ community into my professional

ethics. For example, I struggled using the right pronouns for someone who is non-gender

conforming. Educating myself on the LGBTQ community has allowed my professional ethics to

expand, understanding the oppression they face gives us a mutual benefit on maneuvering

through society. In Passing Realities by Allie Lie (2013), I found myself disgusted with the

people she encountered. I gain knowledge on how to work within the LGBTQ community while

they gained another ally.

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Adultism

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”

(Proverbs 22:6). My mother was the decision maker in my household. She was also the parent

that did all the discipline. I was taught to do everything that adults said because they were wiser

and smarter than me. I was always told to respect my elders because according to the Bible, “my

days were numbered.” I could not decide for myself without my mother’s permission. Also, I

was told to stay out of grown folks’ business because it did not concern me even if I was the

topic of conversion. In Understanding Adultism: A Key to Developing Positive Youth-Adult

Relationships by John Bell (2013), my childhood was parallel with the phrases he discussed that

are oppressive to young people. I felt bullied by adults growing up because I could barely defend

myself.

I did not know that Adultism existed until Social Work 331. How could an adult oppress

a child? I internalized the stigma that adults knew what was better for the child. For example, I

was forced to eat my vegetables at the kitchen table because they were going to make me big and

vigorous. The way I internalize this stigma affects the way I work with children today. Now that

I am aware of Adultism, I can approve my professional career by continuing to educate myself. I

can start by allowing young people to voice their opinions instead of oppressing them with a

certain language.

Conclusion

To become a great social worker, it is important that I accept my client’s diverse

backgrounds. It is my duty to recognize my role in each oppression and continue to educate myself.

I am a very open-minded person, better than I was in grade school. I have learned to respect
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everyone’s lifestyle and choices. Transitioning into an ally for social justice will take time,

persistence, and patience.

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Resources

Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castaneda, C., Hackman, H. W., Peters, M. L., & Zuniga,

X.(2013). Readings for Diversity and Social Justice (3rd ed.). New York: Routledge.