Digital Journal Entry

Date: 2023-10-20

Prompt:

In what ways are we taught to focus on discrimination, prejudice, and bias at an individual (person-to-person) level, rather than systemic level or in terms of human rights?

What feelings, questions, ponderings come up for you in thinking about systemic forms of oppression?

Thoughts:

From a young age, we are often taught to focus on discrimination, prejudice, and bias at an individual level. We are told that it is wrong to make generalizations about people based on their race, gender, religion, or other group affiliations. We are also taught that it is important to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their differences.

While these lessons are important, they can sometimes lead us to overlook the systemic ways in which discrimination, prejudice, and bias can manifest themselves. For example, we may be quick to condemn an individual for making a racist remark, but we may not be as quick to recognize the ways in which our own society is structured in ways that disadvantage certain groups of people.

There are a number of reasons why we are more likely to focus on individual-level discrimination rather than systemic discrimination. One reason is that individual-level discrimination is more visible. We can see and hear it happening, and it can be easy to identify the person who is responsible. Systemic discrimination, on the other hand, is often more subtle and difficult to identify. It can be embedded in our laws, our institutions, and our cultural norms.

Another reason why we may focus on individual-level discrimination is that it is easier to address. If we see someone being discriminated against, we can speak up or take action to stop it. However, addressing systemic discrimination is often more difficult. It requires us to challenge the status quo and to make changes to the way our society is structured.

Focusing on individual-level discrimination can also be a way of avoiding our own complicity in systemic discrimination. If we believe that discrimination is only a problem at the individual level, then we can absolve ourselves of any responsibility for addressing it. However, the truth is that we all benefit from systemic discrimination, even if we are not aware of it.

When we think about systemic forms of oppression, a number of feelings, questions, and ponderings come up. We may feel anger, frustration, and despair. We may ask ourselves why these systems exist and how they can be changed. We may also wonder what our own role is in perpetuating these systems.

Thinking about systemic oppression can be difficult and uncomfortable. However, it is important to do so if we want to create a more just and equitable society. By understanding the ways in which discrimination, prejudice, and bias are embedded in our society, we can begin to challenge them and to work towards creating a more inclusive world.

Questions:

• What are some examples of systemic discrimination?
• How does systemic discrimination impact the lives of those who are affected by it?
• What are some ways to challenge systemic discrimination?
• What is our own role in perpetuating systemic discrimination?
• How can we create a more just and equitable society?