Summary: Interrupting The Cycle Of Oppression

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According to (Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian); author of “Interrupting the Cycle of Oppression: The Role of Allies as Agents of Change”; many of us feel overwhelmed when we consider the many forms of systemic oppression that are so pervasive in American society today. We become immobilized, uncertain about what actions we can take to interrupt the cycle of oppression and violence that intrude on our everyday lives. According to (Merriam Webster); oppression, is treating someone unjustly; or cruelly exercising authority or power; weighing down body and mind (www.merriam-webster.com). The concept of oppression examines the “isim’s); racism, sexism, heterosexism, and class privilege as interlocking systems of oppression that ensues advantages for some and diminished opportunities for others; (p. 02/03). In the story of (Sharon Kowalski and Karen Thompson); there were three modes of oppression; ableism, heterosexism, and sexism. However, the oppression experienced in this instance would be systematic; (p. 476). Ableism is displaying a type of discrimination against someone with a disability (physical, mental, or medical). In the case of (Sharon Kowalski) this type of behavior is perfectly displayed, by those around her. She (Sharon Kowalski) …show more content…

Sexism often enforces a social role on women in which they are subordinated to men; (p. 478). In the particular case of (Kowalski and Thompson); the modes of oppression according to (Andre Lorde. “There Is No Hierarchy of Oppression”; Interracial Books for Children Bulletin, 1983, 14, 9; p. 479-80). On the basis of these “isim’s” the choices or wishes of the couple that society didn’t recognize (Thompson & Kowalski) were denied, and their sexuality was controlled; (p. 479); with the end result being no quality of life, for either; at least not for the next nine years; while the legal battle ensued as well