Question

There is a sociologist who suggests that although oppressive systems seem stable, they actually straddle multiple levels. They can never be stable and unchangeable because, as the sociologist (Johnson) notes, it is “impossible for everyone to participate in any system in an unvarying and uniform way.” Thus, it is important for each of us to realize that we are constantly affecting the system of oppression and that change is a long-term, complex process. The first steps of change, then, are acknowledging that oppression exists and paying attention to how it works and how we participate in it (often unknowingly). It is possible for people to engage in “little risk activism” by engaging in small actions such as not laughing at jokes based on inequality, daring to make others uncomfortable in order to make a point, or correcting people when they make stereotyped assertions about other groups. Johnson notes that we should think about change as “small, humble and doable rather than large, heroic and impossible.” Discuss this approach to social change and social movements noting any efforts that you may have made/participated in to do so.

Answer 1

Oppression in simple terms means the excessive power in unjust ways. Oppression is a reality which we can't escape. It is present in every society. Natire of oppression diffees from place to place. Therefore we can say that oppression in macro sense is contexual.

Coming to the question of how we as an Individual can play a constructive role in eliminating this evil. The first thing which comes to my find is that we need a radical reconstruction in thoughts and perspective. There are numerous examples to show that each and every Individual, knowingly or unknowingly strengthens this. We need to conceptualize things for a betyer understanding. If each and every one of us play our part then it would be very easy to negate the ills in our society which are oppressive in nature. It is said that "society is individual writ large". So it is us which makes the society and small change in our behaviour would do great wonders.

Let me give you an example. In India there are 8 states which borders Nepal and china. Because of its prximity with these countries there are similarities in the physical apperances. The physical apperance of people living in these states are different from that of people living in other parts of the country. As a result the people of these states have to face different types of discrimination. They are termed as "momos" "chinese" etc. In a larger perspective these issues seems to be very small and doable. If we as an individual change our attitide and show some sign of acceptability to their uniqueness this can be easily solved.

I have played my small part in this. I have urged people in my inner circle to weight their words before using it. I tried to explain them the beauty of diversity and heterogeneity. Just imagine how boring it would get if we live in a homogenous society. It took time for them to realize but gradually they understood things. One thing which I realized that one of the main reason behind this was the lack of connection. Cultural contacts and exchanges were missing. Once they start knowing about each other's cuture, started participating in each other's function the situation got better.

So my submission here is that we need to create bridges so that a connection develops. We need to tap the humane side on an individual and try to make him/her undeestand things rationally.