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Internalized Oppression vs. Appropriated Oppression

Welcome to Black Mail, where we bring you Black History:  Special Delivery!!

When people are oppressed they can come to believe (internalize) the stereotypes, negativity, and myths about their identity communicated by the dominant group; at times even embracing the oppressive treatment as being normal, deserved, or inevitable.  If an oppressed person begins to believe the inferiority imposed upon them by the dominant they have internalized that oppression.  In recent years, there has been a shift away from referring to oppression as “internalized” because it places the blame of oppression on the marginalized individual or group rather than the dominant group. 

Psychologist, Dr. Kira Banks has sparked our interest in thinking about oppression as being appropriated rather than internalized. This perspective helps us see internalized oppression NOT as an internal process but rather an external one.  Appropriation takes place when someone adopts or borrows something from another culture or group.  Thinking about oppression as being appropriated presents those experiencing oppression with a choice.  Recognizing that we have a choice gives us power! Rather than just accepting the views of the dominant group, appropriation presents us with the opportunity to decide if we want to adopt or take on the ideas or expectations of the dominant group as being representative of our personal identities, abilities, or experiences. 

Continue reading “Internalized Oppression vs. Appropriated Oppression“ →
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THIS IS NOT….

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Black History: Special Delivery!!

Journalist Charles Blow’s 6/7/20 New York Times article, Allies Don’t Fail Us Again shares a thought provoking quote. With recent protests, nationally and internationally calling for reform following the death of George Floyd, “This is not the social justice Coachella. This is not systemic racism Woodstock. This has to be a forever commitment, even after protest eventually subsides.” Power to his pen!

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7th Anniversary Of Trayvon Martin’s Death

Black History: Special Delivery!!

On February 6, 2012, Trayvon Martin was killed. Today is the 7th anniversary of his death.
African American commentator Joy Reid shared powerful commentary that we previously posted. It is worth sharing again. “People assume that black young men are only scary, never scared” -Joy Reid

Today we honor is memory.

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Honoring King’s Life, But Working Against His Agenda??

Black History: Special Delivery!!

“You can’t honor Dr. King’s life and then work against his agenda.” – Rev. Dr. William Barber

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W.E.B.DuBois Quote

Black History: Special Delivery!!


But what of black women?… I most sincerely doubt if any other race of women could have brought its fineness up through so devilish a fire.

-W.E.B. Dubois

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Apologies ALONE Are Not Enough….

Black History: Special Delivery!!

BLACK MAIL QUOTE:

“Apologies ALONE cannot undo the historical trauma, environmental
destruction, economic exploitation, and social deprivation exacted upon communities of color.
How can we get over “IT” when we are still oppressed by “IT”?” -Enid Gaddis

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MLK: “A Father We Have Yet To Bury”

Black History: Special Delivery!!

On April 3, 2018, Dr. Bernice King and her siblings took part in a service at Mason Temple Church in Memphis, TN to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination which occurred on April 4, 1968. The last public speech given by King was at Mason Temple on April 3, 1968. Bernice King comments on the trauma and grief she and her siblings still experience even as adults. …..50 years later. Not only was Dr.

King assassinated, but so was King’s mother, Alberta King who was shot and killed while playing the organ at a church in 1974. King’s brother Rev. Alfred Williams died from drowning in 1969. Many felt the “accidental drowning” may not have been an accident. Alfred King was also very active in the civil rights movement and worked closely with his brother.

Bernice King’s words in commemorating the 50th anniversary of her father’s assassination, are both poignant and moving as she reflects on experiencing the grief and trauma of the father that they “have yet bury“. The grief and trauma of these experiences is still present with them……… 50 years later.

Click on the link below to view an excerpt of Bernice King’s comments:

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“What’s Your Life’s Blueprint?” – Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Black History:  Special Delivery!!

Black Mail Readers,

Today, the United States celebrates the MLK holiday; celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  In honor of Dr. King, we would like to share one of his lesser known speeches to students at Barton Junior High School in Philadelphia, PA in 1967.   The speech is an inspiring commentary for African American youth.  We encourage you to watch the video with children in your circle and have a discussion.  Though the video was made over 50 years ago, it still resonates today!

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Racism In Retail (Again)…..

Black History: Special Delivery!!

Retailer H & M recently pulled a photo of a black boy wearing a hoodie with said, “coolest monkey in the jungle“. Not sure how NO ONE thought about how this would be viewed as offensive. The ad has been pulled, but not before social media blasted the retailer. Not surpisingly, the retailer also had some defenders on social media making comments like, “I see a sweet little black boy wearing a sweater with ‘coolest monkey in the jungle. I see nothing else. Hope this helps.”
Another said, “Perhaps it was an innocent mistake and no-one even thought that they injected racism into the ad.”

Unfortunately, the disrespect of comparing black people to monkeys has a long standing racist history!

Sources:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/h-m-slammed-racism-coolest-monkey-jungle-hoodie-article-1.3744160

https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_5a53203be4b003133ec9917a/amp

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