Focus On Internalized Oppression

The system of power, privilege, and oppression can result in oppressed people buying into
the idea that they are less deserving or that their choices are less legitimate. To better
understand internalized oppression, what it looks like, and how to cope with it, explore
these examples and suggestions for healing.
Examples
• Women judging themselves, or other women, for the way they dress, for engaging in
casual sex, or for prioritizing their careers, when they don’t judge other people for
the same behavior
• Believing oneself (or people who look similar) to be unattractive for not meeting
dominant western beauty standards, which tend to idealize younger, lighter-
skinned, gender-conforming, non-disabled, slender bodies
 • A student with a mobility disability deciding not to bother trying out for a role in a
theatrical production, because they don’t think they have a chance against able-
bodied students
Healing
The wounds from internalized oppression can run very deep. There is no one answer that
works for everyone, but here are some starting places:
• Meet regularly to share support with others who face the same oppression
• Learn to recognize and point out internalized oppression as it happens
• Take pride in, learn about, and celebrate your culture(s)
• Organize and take political action
• Find ways, big or small, to take time and space for yourself
• Practice self-compassion — try not to say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say
to someone you love
• Consider spending time with family, in spiritual practice, or in community service if
those things are nurturing to you
• Remember that healing is a process, and some days may feel better than others