Oppression is an unfair result leaded by a system that is not stand on your side, a network and system are banning you and set limitations for you from being a person with regular civil rights. As Marilyn Frye wrote in her book Oppression, Oppression is everywhere, it is not just one element. It is like a cage, and if you look closer to the cage, you wouldn’t notice the wires everywhere, but sometimes you have to take a step back, so that you can see the whole picture and then you can find where are the wires. It is same as oppression because oppression is everywhere and in our daily life.

While watching this video I ended up getting very emotional. I knew that this video will simply ask questions and have people walk forward if they can agree with whatever is being asked but once I started the video and even answered the questions myself while watching, it made me very emotional. Privilege is something that one has, a right given to them while oppression is a way in which one is hurt whether it be physically, mentally, spiritually, and/or emotionally. It made me realize just how privileged one can be. I knew I was privileged but yet again, there are certain things I and my family had to work hard for. I’m privileged because I have health care and can go to a clinic whenever I need to without having to worry about paying per my visits. I’m privileged because I have a father who works and brings home money to the house and allows us to have a meal every day and a roof over our heads. Not a lot of people have that. Yet at the same time, although my father would work, growing up I didn’t have the luxury of having expensive items or having new toys that came out. Or having clothes that were trendy. At a very young age, I was taught to be grateful to have the necessity in life. At school, I got bullied for a lot of things but one thing that I got bullied for was not having shoes that were ‘trendy’ or a brand that was well known. Growing up, I always received hand-me-down clothes. I am privileged because of my parents. Because I am Mexican-American. I was born here. Often times we take simple things for granted meanwhile other people wishes to have what we have. A way in which I can think about how I am oppressed is when it comes down to me being a Bisexual female. Although my parents and siblings accept me for being Bisexual and being extremely supportive of me, there will always be a barrier amongst my other family members to which I can’t come out to. Some of my family members still ‘live in the past and are extremely religious and for that reason, I’d rather keep it to myself to avoid hearing any negative comments that will either make me feel uncomfortable or angry.

I think the way in which I experience privilege is the fact that I’m a male and I come from a financially stable family. I don’t necessarily have to worry about whether or not I have money when I can always ask my parents for money. I feel like not many people have this privilege since most parents aren’t able to provide their kids with spare money. Also, many college students live or have to support themselves and have no financial help. As a male I guess people take me seriously and don’t question my motives whenever I’m working with people. Whereas if I were a female I would’ve come off as rude and many would question my intelligence and motive. I see this often where women are seen as bitchy or rude for being dominant. Whereas a male does the same thing and they’re seen as a leader. 

I guess one way I experience oppression is the fact that I’m a gay Hispanic male. Although I’m a male I come from a Hispanic background. When I was younger some people would treat me differently as if I were incompetent simply because they saw I was Hispanic. In my opinion, I wouldn’t say being gay is entirely oppressive because we are more accepted than trans people or anyone part of the LGBT community. Gay people are represented in mainstream media. But I’m only talking about western culture. I’m not 100% sure but I’m pretty sure in eastern culture LGBT people aren’t as accepted or represented as they are in the west. I guess that’s a privilege, being gay and living in the United States or any part of the west. You’re less likely to fear for your life here. 

After watching the video and doing the readings it has helped me define the concept and meaning of oppression and privilege. I have fully defined what it means to be privileged. I feel like a lot of things can fall under oppression. Some things we can’t change like our sex. Male automatically have privilege from the day they’re born whereas females don’t.

After watching the video What is Privilege?, I realized just how privileged I have been and continue to be in my life even as a second generation Dominican American. My mother migrated to New York from the Dominican Republic in 1982 and was able to manage going to college even though she didn’t know any of the English language and became a Physical Therapist’s Assistant and breadwinner of the household. I’m privileged to have been able to explore a performing arts career after high school instead of having to be forced into going to college for a degree I would’ve been unsure about at the time. I’ve been privileged with education throughout my life even now as an adult learner. To get to decide at the drop of a hat that I want to go to school and have that option be available is such an underrated privilege in society when there are so many that have low or no access to education.

Like Marilyn Frye’s example of how young women in the United States are in a bind where neither sexual activity nor sexual inactivity is acceptable, I definitely can say that I felt this throughout my twenties and almost in a subconscious way. That is when I first began to explore that part of me so I felt very aligned with myself but at the same time, I was experiencing feelings of guilt due to how I was raised with a Catholic mother which insinuated that everything I was feeling was wrong. However we never spoke about things growing up because it proved to be too awkward a conversation to confront with children. Although I can agree with waiting until certain ages for this information to be shared, this cultural silence was extremely oppressive as a young adult and growing being. I wanted to be spoken to and treated as an adult but because I didn’t feel I could do that with family, I learned in a harsher way how having this outlet in my life would have helped tremendously growing up. Nowadays, my mom and I have a relationship where I can call her up and tell her anything because she realizes that it’s important to actually be there for your child through whatever they may be going through instead of trying to paint a perfect picture to the outside world that is actually oppressing the young women growing up inside the walls of your home.

The readings and video both really helped me understand the differences and magnitudes of oppression and privilege. Based on Frye’s article Oppression, my definition of oppression is a sneaky barrier created to seem as though it will aid in it’s cause when really it’s purpose is to maintain one immobilized or unable to move forward with progression in the scenario. A privilege is a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group. The material was able to break both of these terms down and portray where in our own lives we’ve experienced each at some point or another.

After watching the video, I did a lot of self reflection.

I experience privilege in many ways. I’m a cisgender, able-bodied person who was born in Puerto Rico – therefore meaning that I am automatically a U.S. citizen. Of course, the circumstances surrounding Puerto Rico’s status as a U.S. territory are troubling, but it still doesn’t take away the fact that upon moving to New York, I didn’t face any struggles in regards to my citizenship. I also have a roof over my head, access to food and clean water – mostly everything I need is accessible to me. I am also privileged enough to receive financial support from my family, and am pursuing an education.

I suppose I experience forms of oppression since I am a queer latinx woman. I have faced xenophobia in the past from white Americans, been sexually harassed, and have also experienced bigotry in many different forms. I have felt unsafe in many situations because of my identity, and while representation in media has gotten a lot better (more inclusive and diverse) over the years, I didn’t grow up with the figures I would’ve liked to have seen. This led to the rejection of my Puerto Rican culture as a child – I wanted to be just like Hannah Montana.

I only share my sexuality with a select few people when I’m comfortable, in special instances (like this, where there’s some form of anonymity or comradery), and I am not entirely publicly “out” – nor do I think I will ever be. I haven’t exactly had the nicest experiences when trusting some people.

Watching the video and doing the readings have helped me conjure up the following definitions of my own. One, oppression, meaning: the systematic act of purposefully inflicting harm upon, and controlling a specific group of people to keep the group from thriving. Two, privilege, meaning: a benefit that is accessible to only a specific individual or community.

I think that when faced with the phrase, “white privilege,” a lot of white people get defensive because they believe that it invalidates their struggles, and insists that they have easy lives. However, having white privilege doesn’t guarantee that you won’t have hardships – it simply means that the issues you would face as a white person would not happen because you’re white. Race would have nothing to do with it. On the other hand, for example, Black people face countless challenges that exist specifically because of their race – and these challenges were created purposefully. As a white person, you will not be racially profiled, you will not be seen or labeled as “other,” – you will not be targeted because of your race, and you will receive a plethora of advantages. That is what white privilege means.

Privilege also intersects in many ways, as well. It intersects with race, gender, sexuality, disability, wealth and class, etc. Everyone has a privilege of some kind, to some extent, whether they realize it or not. Acknowledging our own respective privileges, and realizing that not everyone is equipped with the same tools and resources, is a step that everyone needs to take.

When I saw this video, it answered a lot of ways of how I’m not privileged, but in some ways, I am privileged but based on basic necessities. It was sad to see how the group was separated into different privilege sections. The way I experience privilege is that I am grateful I have a great family, and I am safe inside of my own home, but as soon as I step outside, I’m in danger and no longer in that comfort zone. As a poor Latina woman in the US, I live in oppression. I never had enough money for anything; I had to drop out of school for a semester because I didn’t have money to pay for it. When I saw this video, I related a lot to the woman who stayed back. Constantly, I live in fear for my safety, whether for my skin color or the fact that I am a woman. My current definition of privilege has something someone else cannot have. Most people work for “that” privilege, while others have it directly from birth. With oppression, it’s simple to find out who would quickly be oppressed compared to those that are not. I am grateful to have a caring family every day and thankful that they made a tremendous sacrifice to have me in a better country and under a roof. My goal is to grow and make a better life for my relatives and future. I don’t want my children to grow in the same conditions I grew up in. It’s definitely the stem of my depression and anxiety. In the text by Marilyn Frye, they stated that women would be oppressed just for being women, while men won’t be oppressed just for being men. Many factors play into oppression, and I simply have most of it. My brothers, being men growing up in the US, do face oppression, not because they’re men, but they are dark Latin men, and one of them is also gay. So yes, according to these videos and readings, I consider myself unprivileged and oppressed. The privilege I have is something every human should have as basic necessities; a roof over their head, a bed to sleep in, a family, food/water, and a safe home environment; and every day, I am grateful to God and my family for having that. But every day we learn something new, I didn’t know much about these things till I read/watched it. 

Before watching the video I realized ways in which I am not privileged, but also the ways that I am more privileged in as a cisgendered, able-bodied, main language being English, lighter skin toned hispanic woman who was born in the United States. I have experienced more privilege than those who are disabled, those who have darker skin, those who are transgender, etc. I have access to clean water and food while those in Yemen/ third world countries barely have a roof over their head. I am privileged with a supportive family, a mother who financially supports me and makes sure I have everything that I need and would never force me out into the streets. I am privileged with not being discriminated against/killed because of my skin color or gender identity. For the ways in which I am not privileged as a lower class queer hispanic woman, I fear walking out of my apartment because of men, being lower class I don’t have the privilege the upper class/ 1% have, I lack the privilege of not fearing judgement/verbal abuse/etc if I’m with someone who isn’t of the opposite sex, as a woman of color I am constantly underestimated, judged and oppressed by white men and a system that was created for only white cis heterosexual men to thrive in, etc. In the reading Oppression Marilyn Frye, she compared being a women and the oppression that comes with it to being a bird in a cage “A woman can become caught in a bind where, no matter what she chooses to think, say, or do, a bar puts difficulties in her path. These barriers are often difficult to recognize, because it is not easy to perceive them as parts of a configuration and because of the attempts made to hide their more pernicious aspects.” (Page 10, Part one: Oppression, Marilyn Frye) She then goes on to say that the configuration also restricts men but the whole system was designed (by men) to benefit men. Another thing she says that stuck out to me is she describes the experience of those who are oppressed as “the living of one’s life is confined and shaped by forces and barriers which are not accidental or occasional and hence avoidable, but are systematically related to each other in such a way as to catch one between and among them and restrict or penalize motion in any direction.” (Page 12, Part one: Oppression, Marilyn Frye).

When considering the ways I experience privilege, I think of experiences that not everyone are automatically provided. Things like having a home, access to a good education, being in good health and having access to medical care, and not questioning where my next meal will come from. I think simple things like that are often overlooked a privileges. Many people expect those things to be a given, not realizing how many people don’t have access to those things and are struggling because of it. Speaking of, I think living in America allows me to experience privilege. Yes, America has it’s downfalls but living here provides a better quality of life than some other countries. For example, in some countries, people don’t have access to clean water or an education. I even view having access to jobs and being able to make an income as a great privilege.

Although living in America provides a good quality of life for many, things like racism and gender inequality are big factors that can negatively effect the life you live. Being a woman of color causes me to experience oppression. Not being able to feel comfortable in certain areas or communities largely effect my way of living and the decisions I make. Especially during this time with the BLM movement, society has become scary. Openly being racist and violent toward people of color. Also, not being accepted or taken seriously whether in public or professional settings. This may not be something I’ve faced a lot right now but I’m aware it is a struggle I will have in the future when starting a career. However, I have experienced being followed in stores and being looked at over someone’s shoulder. Taking into consideration my race and gender, I think these experiences are a form of oppression.

Watching this video and doing the readings have definitely helped me gain a better understanding of the definition of oppression. In the reading “Oppression,” Marilyn Frye explains that the word oppression has been used too loosely and that there needs to be a clear definition. Since everyone faces struggles and barriers it’s important to clarify which are considered oppression and in what circumstance. Frye claims “The experience of oppressed people is that the living of one’s life is confined and shaped by forces and barriers which are not accidental or occasional and hence avoidable, but are systematically related to each other in such a way as to catch one between and among them and restrict or penalize motion in any direction. It is the experience of being caged in: All avenues, in every direction, are blocked or booby trapped” (Frye, 12). I completely agree with this definition and think it should be used like a guideline to what is considered opression. Doing so could bring more attention to serious issues and actual forms of opression.

Privilege is derived from the Latin word privilegium, which is defined as an advantage by an individual or class, greater than what is accessible to others. Watching the video on “What is Privilege?” made me realize that while I am extensively more privileged than I give myself credit for, in ways that I take for granted I feel. Some ways in which I am privileged are that I come from a second generation of immigrants. I was fortunate enough that I could speak, write and read English and Spanish before I even began grade school, since I grew up with parents that spoke English and Spanish. My parents also had the opportunity to pursue a career, so I have never experienced poverty or lacked the resources I needed growing up. On the other hand, oppression is living a life not only restricted but molded by forces and barricades. Truthfully speaking, the video and readings from the week made it very apparent for me that I am not oppressed- I am far from it. However, I have experienced situations that I feel only ever happen because of the privilege that those in a place of power have. The example occurred at a previous job where an older man would make inappropriate comments to me and made me feel extremely uncomfortable. After reporting it to a supervisor, I came to find that he was not removed and my coworkers mentioned that they had heard the older man saying that I was always smiling at him, flirty and giving him mixed signals. I felt completely barricaded because of how the situation was handled. Most importantly however, I was astonished that the supervisor who had the ability to handle the matter appropriately, chose not to. 

            As I watched the video and surveyed the readings, I came to the conclusion that my privilege is real and in microscopic and macroscopic ways as well. As the girl starts off the video saying, “Some people are born into families where they have to walk miles just to get water. All I have to do is turn on the faucet- that’s privilege.” As obvious as that statement is, the reality is that the lives of plenty are deprived of such basic human necessities. The video was an eye opener because I was able to witness each individual move forward or backwards, becoming further distanced from one another as the girl read the statements. At the very end of the of the video, one lone African American woman stood at the very back and she did express how awkward it was for her. Overall, the experience for those in the video seemed to be disconcerting because of the emotions that were brought to the surface, especially as the gap grew larger between the participants. It truly is saddening to see how that privilege separates us from one another but it is important because acceptance of a problem is the first step in solving it. I think that in order for oppression to end, those who are privileged should acknowledge it, and use it in a way that is meaningful for those who don’t have the same privilege. 

After watching this video I can say I am pretty privileged even in simple ways. One way I consider myself to be privileged is being in good health. Being in good health is very important because without help I believe if you can not function physically it will take a toll on your mental. I believe this because physically you are wanting to do stuff like play sports but because of your health you are unable to, then you start to wonder why you can not be like everyone else or be a “normal” person that is when it can start affecting your mental state. Other ways I am privileged are being able to have access to education, being able to walk and talk, having clean water to drink, having food in the fridge to eat, and having a roof over my head. Having a roof over your head is very important because you need it to survive and to maintain good health physically and mentally. Oppression is considered to be cruel and unjust treatment. One way I have experienced oppression is being a biracial child. I have been treated differently by members of my family because I am half black and half Hispanic. To me my Hispanic side of the family I was never Hispanic enough for them to consider me Hispanic. This experience made me very confused and not sure where I stood in life or what others considered me to be. Another way I experienced oppression was due to my mental illness. Not many people would understand how mental illness works. In people’s eyes, mental illness is for the “crazy people.” This unfair treatment tolls me because my mental illness has made me bitter. This is because of the way people define me due to my illness that I can not control. In my opinion, my illness does not define me it is just a part of me that I have to work out. To me, I will define privilege as being able to have access to things that other individuals might have a difficult time getting access to the simple things you need in life. While oppression to me is defined as a long-lasting treatment of cruel and unjust treatment that individuals face due to the color of their skin, poverty, and where they come from. This video and reading have to be grateful for the simple things in life because there are others that do not have anything. Things that we complain about people wish they had, so live life and be grateful.