Together as One

 A recurring theme I have noticed in many of the pieces of writing we have analyzed is intersectional oppression. Intersectional oppression is when already oppressed groups start to oppress each other, to feel some sort of power over others. I have seen this type of oppression in “Indian Education”, Lord of the Files, the Smithsonian article, and sadly, real life. 

In the short story “Indian Education” by Sherman Alexie, intersectional oppression is seen when a Chicano teacher points out that the Indian kids had been drinking. Even though the teacher knows what oppression is like himself, he feels the need to oppress others below him to feel better about himself. In the novel Lord of the Files by William Golding, Piggy and Simon are minorities themselves, but continue to pick on the littluns, the group even lower on the social ladder than them. The Smithsonian article also mentions this quote by Audre Lorde, “There is no hierarchy of oppressions”, which shows that oppressed groups should help each other get their voices heard, not compete for who is the most oppressed. 

Although this type of oppression seems unbelievable and ironic, it happens in real life. An example of this is the important Black Lives Matter movement happening right now. The purpose of this movement is to bring light to the injustice black people have been facing all over the world. Because this movement is helping an oppressed group to have their voices heard and dismantling white supremacy, it is a step forward for all minorities. Other oppressed groups need to stand with the African-American community and make a change. That is why the saying “all lives matter” is an example of intersectional oppression when used by other minorities. 

Intersectional oppression is one type of oppression that we need to prevent to overcome oppression together. We shouldn’t compare who has gone through the most trauma and diminish each others’ experiences. We have strength in numbers and it is so important for us to work together to achieve the same equality for each oppressed group. Remember: a step in the right direction for one minority is a step for us all.