• In what ways do you experience privilege?

I experienced privilege when I looked for a job at age 24 in New York. I didn’t speak English or had no experience, and I would walk from restaurant to restaurant, asking if I could be a hostess or a waitress. I was hired even though there were American college graduate students and a woman of color next to me. I was shocked. One of my friends with a black associated name told me my name sounds white, so my resume might be picked up before someone else’s. I felt horrible, but it was a privilege I didn’t know was attached to me. I also recognized how privileged I was in The United States because of my European education and how much my parents invested in me. To be raised by both parents is a huge privilege!I was very privileged as an emigrant, even though I had to struggle to fit in and adjust to my new life. 

• In what ways do you experience oppression?

I felt oppressed being harassed by older men trying to be too friendly with me, I knew an opportunity would put me on a plate like a piece of meat. My mother taught me to speak up in situations like that, so I did. Men would approach me often in many ways, and I never felt comfortable and I would be scared. So I was insulting and unpleasant to them. I felt oppressed at home because I was raised with three brothers, and they were the solid structure of the family in the conversations. If they had good grades, they would be praised for intelligence and awarded. If I would get good grades, I will be a girl who studies well, as every girl should. My housework was never appreciated, and my efforts were undeniable in a household because this is what women do in Polish society. I was also treated very unfairly by my ex-husband, who wanted me to be a housewife, and I was not allowed to have male friends. He would decide if we go for a trip or if we go out that weekend or not. I had to say yes to many rules he had, and I disagreed. So I left one day …