17 Mar The task of this paper is to tell a story examining the form of oppression that most centrally affects YOUR life

The task of this paper is to tell a story examining the form of oppression that most centrally affects YOUR life. In writing your story, you should identify the specific form of oppression you wish to discuss (what is the group being mistreated) and then write about the concrete and daily ways that it shows itself in your life. That is, from whom, in what ways, and where do you note the effects of oppression? In your paper you should incorporate some theoretical aspect of at least 3 of the assigned readings and videos for this class dealing with oppression. While some theoretical framing of your topic is necessary, I also want you to be as specific and personal to you as possible. If you are unclear about the meaning of the term “oppression,” make sure you have read the article “Oppression and Democracy,” (Yuen) posted on the website for unit #6 readings. If you have not read and understood this article you will not do well on this assignment.

THEN, conclude your paper with 1-2 paragraphs outlining a SPECIFIC AND DO-ABLE plan of political action YOU could carry out that would lead in the direction of eliminating this oppression from your life and the world.

The strongest stories will address the following questions:

How does this oppression affect YOU personally? How is it about YOUR life? (i.e., tell a “Story of Self”)

What are some of the larger social SYSTEMS/INSTITUTIONS that create support, and perpetuate this oppression?

Why is what you are writing about not just an isolated or peculiar thing that happens on an individual basis? That is, why is it really “oppression” as opposed to just “mistreatment?” How is this a problem that your entire group faces and not just you as an individual. (i.e., tell a “Story of Us”)

How does this oppression interact with other forms of oppression in a mutually reinforcing way?

In what ways have you “internalized” the behaviors and belief systems imposed by this oppression?

How does your personal story relate to the theoretical insights from the assigned readings? Use at least 3 sources from our assigned readings, WITH FOOTNOTES– tell us EXACTLY where you got the material, etc using an academically appropriate method of citation.

How well have you learned to apply the lessons from the practicing democracy and civic engagement components of this class to this topic? Have you presented a realistic plan of action that you could implement right now and that you could get others in your community to participate in? (i.e., tell a “Story of Now”)

Systematic and Institutionalized Mistreatment:

What we are looking for is strong evidence that you understand the concept of oppression, can distinguish it from simple mistreatment, and can explain the SYSTEMATIC AND INSTITUTIONAL aspects of the oppression. By systematic, we mean that the mistreatment is frequent and pervasive– not just occasional and isolated.

Also, have you been paying attention both to the assigned readings and the class lecture/videos, AND how will you apply these concepts to your life and the world around you…?

YOUR Life:

This paper is not a research essay but rather a thought and analysis assignment that requires you to examine YOUR OWN LIFE critically. The readings from this course and class lecture should provide you with ample background for your paper. Remember, though, that we are primarily interested in your own thoughtful analysis of oppression as you experience it in your daily life.

“But wait, I’m not oppressed…”

Some of you may feel as though you personally are not targeted by oppression. Thus, you may, if you like, discuss a form of oppression where you personally are not the chief target of the oppression. But if you do this, you must still discuss it from the perspective of how it affects you personally. That is, as an adult, you might discuss how the oppression of children affects your life as an adult. As a white person, you might discuss how racism against people of color affects your life. As a woman, you might write about how the oppression of males affects you as a woman. Etc…