Oppression, Hate Crimes & Self-awareness

Oppression
Oppression occurs when a segment of the population, systematically and over a period of time, prevents another segment form attaining access to scarce and valued resources. It is a process whereby specific acts are designed to place others in the lower ranks of society.

Oppression
Individuals and groups are oppressed by other individuals, institutions, and the structures of society as a whole. On an individual level, oppression includes racist remarks, exclusion, stereotyping, and other behaviors. Institutional oppression limits accessibility by not providing materials and service in appropriate languages, physical conditions, or locations. Structural oppression includes the norms, habits, and world views of society as a whole, which create and support a system that privileges some groups and stigmatizes others.

Oppression
Oppression creates conditions of exploitation, powerlessness, and marginalization for stigmatized groupsconditions that foster violence both against and within such groups.

Internalized Oppression
Members of a group that are subjected to oppression internalize not only the criticism and negative stereotypes placed upon them by other groups, but also the deep and persistent anger these elicit. Powerless and unable, in many cases, to fight back, members of oppressed groups express their anger through violence and destruction toward members of their own community and frequently, through violence and destruction of self through drugs and alcohol and other risk-taking behaviors. Such reactions encourage further stereotyping and oppression.

Internalized Oppression
The experience of oppression becomes a part of the history of a group and the effects of these experiences can persist for many generations. Even if a particular individual has not experienced oppression directly, she/he is still strongly affected such a history, which can negatively impact selfperception and self-esteem. A history of extreme oppression, such as slavery, internment, genocide or torture has a major impact on individual beliefs and worldviews.

Working with Oppressed Clients

An individual client may have experienced personal, structural, and institutional oppression, and may have internalized oppression in ways that limit choices, actions, and opportunities. It is essential to recognize the strengths that have made survival possible for the client, to build on these, and to expand choices and opportunities. The strengths perspective is especially useful in working with oppressed clients.

What is a Hate Crime?

Commits a crime because of their race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability or gender of another individual or group of individuals.

Hate Crimes
Most hate crimes that are committed are: Assault and aggravated assault Battery Criminal damage to property Telephone harassment Arson Criminal sexual assault Murder

How do hate crimes differ from other crimes?

They are message crimes!
They send a message not only to the victim but to every individual who is a member of the group .

Factors that indicate a crime is bias based

Language or symbols Severity of attack Previous incidents in the same area or by same offender Lack of provocation of victim Absence of other motives Offenders membership in a hate group Timing

What can we do?

Act Unite Support the Victims Do your homework Create an alternative Speak-up Lobby leaders

Self-Awareness
Must develop an understanding of your own personal values and beliefs a a first step to understanding the values and beliefs of others.