STEM THE TIDE: Oppression, Oppressors and Prejudice
/By: Joel E. Gordon
Oppression occurs when one group, known as the oppressors, systematically discriminates against another group, recognized as the oppressed. The dynamics of this relationship are complex and can manifest in various forms, including social, political, economic, and cultural oppression.
At the core of this dynamic is a power imbalance, where the oppressors seemingly hold the majority of power and resources, while the oppressed are marginalized and deprived of equal opportunities and rights.
When opinion deems Israel and Jews as oppressors the response begins to manifest itself as empowering those who side with or identify as the oppressed to become the oppressors via calls for restricting response to acts of terror and attempts to eradicate terrorists.
The same has been occurring with law enforcement. As certain groups have identified as being oppressed by law enforcement and government authority to maintain law and order, the powers that be have worked to restrict law enforcement response and authority over lawlessness and have become oppressors of law enforcement growth and efforts for the greater and common good.
Perhaps the ‘root cause’ of the oppressor/oppressed phenomenon is prejudice. In a world of identity politics where prejudice is often falsely accused or overstated in the pre-judgment of others beliefs or motives, prejudice or the belief of it, continues as a motivational force in ideology and action in large measure.
Prejudice, the deeply ingrained bias against individuals based on their race, gender, religion, level of authority, socioeconomic standing or other characteristics, has been a perennial scourge afflicting humanity. It runs deep within society, often manifesting in subtle yet influential ways.
The ramifications of prejudice reverberate across every aspect of society, seeping into educational institutions, workplaces, and even shaping public policies. Its corrosive nature not only stymies individual growth but also hampers the collective progress towards a more understanding and harmonious world.
Eradicating prejudice necessitates a concerted effort towards education and awareness. By fostering understanding and empathy, we can challenge ingrained biases and dismantle the foundations of prejudice. Embracing diverse perspectives and histories can pave the way for a more inclusive society. Attempts at indoctrination or erasing history and historical perspectives through the rewriting of history or removing historical markers thusly are counterproductive to learning from both triumphs and past mistakes which otherwise facilitate moving forward with greater knowledge toward improvement with increasingly peaceful and harmonious relationships.
Celebrating diversity and recognizing the inherent worth of every individual serves as a potent antidote to prejudice. It is through acknowledging the richness of varied cultures, traditions, and experiences that we can break down the walls of intolerance and build bridges of unity.
Empathy and compassion form the bedrock of a prejudice-free society. By walking not only in our own shoes but in the shoes of others and extending understanding, we can unravel the complexities of bias and sow the seeds of a true and genuine connection.
Advocating for true justice can act as a beacon in the pursuit of eradicating prejudice. By dismantling systemic barriers and seeking greater fairness for all, we can lay the groundwork for a society where prejudice holds no dominion.
Eradicating prejudice requires a collective endeavor that demands unwavering commitment and a resolute spirit. Through education, empathy, and the pursuit of justice, we can forge a future where prejudice is but a distant memory, and unity and understanding reign supreme. Maybe we can stop the victimization mentality through a view less toward oppression and oppressors but rather simply humanity seeking our best lives through merit, understanding and encouragement for opportunity for all.
Joel E. Gordon, Managing Editor of BLUE Magazine, is a former Field Training Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com
