Internalized Oppression: Irene By Abel, Chris, Devon, and Rosie

What is Internalized Oppression? When a member of an oppressed group accepts, believes, and identifies with the stereotypes about them. What is Internalized Oppression? Devon

Internalized Oppression: Gender IRENE’S INTERNALIZED OPPRESSION: Believes “being a woman” = bending to the will of male superiors Women are supposed to act a certain way (not too flirtatious, motherly) Frustrated by feeling trapped, but hates women who seem too “free” Internalized Oppression: Gender Abel

Evidence Quote 1: CONTEXT: Irene and Clare have a heated conversation about what role motherhood should play in a woman’s life, and Irene becomes defensive of her identity as a mother “‘I know very well that I take being a mother rather seriously. I am wrapped up in my boys and the running of my house. I can’t help it. And, really, I don’t think it’s anything to laugh at.’ And though she was aware of the slight primness in her words and attitude, she had neither power nor wish to efface it.” (Part 2) ANALYSIS: Irene exposes feeling tied-down by her duties as a mother, but also the pride she has in having a distinguished role in society. Her words reflect her lack of social mobility, but her tone implies her protectiveness of her position. Devon

Evidence Quote 2: CONTEXT: While having tea at a cafe in Chicago, Irene notices a white woman come in with a white man. She does not realize that it is her long lost friend, Clare. Irene judges the woman, as the man leaves (indicating she is a mistress). ANALYSIS: The way Irene criticizes Clare reveals that she has certain ideas about the way a woman is supposed to act. “Irene couldn’t quite define it, but she was sure that she would have classed it, coming from another woman, as being just a shade too provocative for a waiter.” (Part I) Rosie

Evidence Quote 3: CONTEXT: At Clare’s house for tea, her husband John makes racist remarks about black people unaware that he is sitting with three half black women. ANALYSIS: Irene internalizes her frustration and discomfort and chooses not to speak up against John in order to protect her identity. “Irene’s lips trembled almost uncontrollably, but she made a desperate effort to fight back her disastrous desire to laugh again, and succeeded.” (Part I) Rosie

Author’s Message Passing by Nella Larsen Systems of oppression are used to develop insecurities in a group of people to destroy that group of people’s internal confidence. In a system of oppression, minority groups are consistently reminded in subtle social cues of how less they are compared to everyone else. The pain and insecurities developed in these people are unidentifiable to the naked eye and end up manifesting into deeper pains. The author wants to give people a platform like her to be comfortable in their own shoes, and an opportunity to escape the binding cycle of judgement. Author’s Message Passing by Nella Larsen Chris