Eromidayo Olayiwola (Harmony)
Prof. Hollis Glaser
GWS 100-1300
Reading Reflection 3 (Privilege/Oppression)
Benefiting from “people’s hard labor” and being a member of a system that functions effectively enough to make daily tasks easier is a “privilege.” For instance, having access to “electricity” may seem normal, yet people created the power plants and transmission networks that produced and delivered electricity. Furthermore, while receiving an education scholarship because you cannot afford it may appear regular, you are supported by a system or a sponsor. Another example is enjoying the advantages of “nature” and taking pleasure in the “light” that the “sun” creates during the “day.” In other words, depending on your identity, color, community, how you are perceived, or the society in which you find yourself, “privilege” might be advantageous. Despite this, “privilege” changes and is relative based on where you come from and who you are in the societal structure. It can also be influenced by your skin color, and gender. For instance, I can say that I’m grateful and glad to have been born in Nigeria, yet someone in the US could argue that they can’t even conceive of being born in Africa. Another illustration is the fact that I may choose to dress however I want without fear of harassment, in contrast to some “females” in my region.
On the other hand, oppression occurs when you are continuously reminded and compelled to comply with what society considers “normal.” What constitutes normalcy? Is it the persistent injustices aimed at the “feminine”? The lives of “females” have always been governed by a dominant group, such as “men.” Does that imply that being a man is a “privilege”? All I want is a fair society with equality for everyone. If people can create these laws and regulations, they can also alter them to benefit everyone.
I have encountered some type of prejudice and restriction due to my cultural and religious background. My mother will always advise me to be reserved and obedient; even as a young adult, she will make sure I dress as “she” has planned, claiming that politics is for males, “women” are home builders, and as a married “female,” I am still subdued to caring for the kids, household duties, and job. Being a “female” is always associated with too many expectations. When you remain in a marriage for a long time without bearing children, people refer to you as “barren.” I still receive the least respect despite being a “female”: bearer of life. However, in some parts of the African continent, this would not be regarded as oppression.
In addition, At my place of work in Nigeria, “white skin color” is prioritized above “black skin color,” and I realized that colonization contributed to the discrimination encountered in Africa. “White” people are always portrayed as being kind, caring, and otherwise “ideal.”
I was initially viewed differently when I immigrated to the United States of America, most likely as a result of the color of my skin, my accent, or my name. There have been instances when I’ve had to write something on paper to communicate. For example, please where can I find the A train? In contrast to Joseph Mabry’s article, about who was “privileged” because of his “skin color,” the “police officer” only saw a “blind white man” because of his skin color. I now start to wonder if my skin tone is the reason for my oppression.
