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Oppression Within Our daily lives

Published

2 years ago

June 22, 2022

What does “oppression” mean? Webster’s dictionary says Oppression is “Prolonged(excessive) cruel and unjust treatment or exercising of authority”.

We often think of oppression in a political application, nation or political group against the same, but “oppression” has real-time lived applications in our daily lives.

Well, that certainly encompasses many situations we often see in our daily lives. Have ever seen someone raise their hands in anger at a spouse, child, or another person? Do you know someone who is forced to work in poor conditions, being paid very low wages, and often having to experience sexual or mental abuse because they really need the job?

Have you met someone who was or is a freedom fighter, someone who fought for their people’s freedom or separation from an oppressive government? A young person who ran away from home because they experienced some form of abuse, and needed to escape it?

Oppression is a state of mind, a psychological formula that manipulates, and distorts the truth, is filled with anger and projects fear upon others. One can begin one’s life developing a connection to this state when one meets your first bully, whether it be a parent, sibling or within a school setting. If someone’s wishes are forced upon you, that is a form of oppression. “Your going to do this, or else” or “if you cannot do this, your a failure and wimp”. Oppression manipulates us and moulds us through its use of psychological and often physical influences. As a child, one is expected to be moulded (by parents and teachers) into well-balanced individuals. If any of those who are intended to mould someone is mentally or psychologically challenged in some way this will imprint upon the moulded child. Something very simple can over time develops into a severe psychosis and fear that will stay with the child as they age. That is a form of oppression, although it is unintended.

Entire peoples have and are being oppressed by others. Colonialism is often seen as an intended gift to those less educated, religiously and culturally by other nations. It is easier for an oppressor to live with their intended purpose if they believe they are doing good to lesser people. In Africa, the colonial powers stripped nations of their natural resources while giving them religion, education and structure through the introduction of Christianity and Islam(in the North). Oppression exists for a reason. While most of us believe that a society living in peace and harmony is an ideal, oppressive force sees this as an opportunity. When fear is applied to oppressive tactics people naturally respond in a submissive manner. All people want to return to a peaceful situation, and that is what oppressive forces would promise. Do as we say, and nothing will really change for you and your family.

When a couple argues and fights, and a partner harms the other, that is oppression. Why do 55% of American Women living in an abusive situation return to their partner, often not having the oppressor charged with a crime? They want to return to what was for them a perfect time when their family loved each other in peace. Protect their children and give their oppressors another chance perhaps to do what’s right. What many of us do not notice is that those who oppress others, are themselves damaged individuals, organizations or even empires. The Ottoman/Turkish Nation subjugated many other ethnic nations within its territories. This oppression often leads to war and even genocide. During World War One the Ottoman Empire tried to wipe out The Armenian People, murdering millions in the process and bringing about a long-lasting struggle against terrorism that lasts to this day. The Ottoman Empire was fearful of its own collapse, therefore it reacted like so many others, with violence and tunnel vision, those who are not with us, are against our attitude.

Oppression is a noun and adjective. It is, and it does. Oppression is a living, breathing thing, much like a human being. It exists because you allow it to, it spreads due to your fear and ignorance and apathy. By not recognizing oppressiveness that surrounds you, within your society and lived space. you allow it to flourish and grow, much like the weeds in your garden.

You cannot be a free person if any form of oppression is allowed to exist. That is a challenge not easily dealt with. Oppression exists everywhere that another human being may reside. Within your family, neighbourhood, workplace, school and play area. Oppression brings with it fear, anger, jealousy, envy and seemingly all the other deadly sins.

How do we defeat oppression? In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Justice can bring about an end to oppression. It is an act of justice, protecting all of our fundamental human rights, the right to dignity and a decent life” that can defeat oppression, poverty and inequality. Look at another as if that person was you. How would you like to be treated? (Matthew 22.39) Powerful words are found in many of religion’s most sacred texts. Who in their right mind wants to be oppressed by another?

Living our daily lives demands us to be cooperative, humble and empathetic to others. It is my hope that the handshake will always win over the widespread raised fist of anger and fear that oppresses millions of us on a daily basis.

Steven Kaszab

Bradford, Ontario

skaszab@yahoo.ca

News

RCMP arrest second suspect in deadly shooting east of Calgary

Published

3 hours ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

EDMONTON – RCMP say a second suspect has been arrested in the killing of an Alberta county worker.

Mounties say 28-year-old Elijah Strawberry was taken into custody Friday at a house on O’Chiese First Nation.

Colin Hough, a worker with Rocky View County, was shot and killed while on the job on a rural road east of Calgary on Aug. 6.

Another man who worked for Fortis Alberta was shot and wounded, and RCMP said the suspects fled in a Rocky View County work truck.

Police later arrested Arthur Wayne Penner, 35, and charged him with first-degree murder and attempted murder, and a warrant was issued for Strawberry’s arrest.

RCMP also said there was a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Strawberry, describing him as armed and dangerous.

Chief Supt. Roberta McKale, told a news conference in Edmonton that officers had received tips and information over the last few weeks.

“I don’t know of many members that when were stopped, fuelling up our vehicles, we weren’t keeping an eye out, looking for him,” she said.

But officers had been investigating other cases when they found Strawberry.

“Our investigators were in O’Chiese First Nation at a residence on another matter and the major crimes unit was there working another file and ended up locating him hiding in the residence,” McKale said.

While an investigation is still underway, RCMP say they’re confident both suspects in the case are in police custody.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2024.

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26-year-old son is accused of his father’s murder on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast

Published

4 hours ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

RICHMOND, B.C. – The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says the 26-year-old son of a man found dead on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast has been charged with his murder.

Police say 58-year-old Henry Doyle was found badly injured on a forest service road in Egmont last September and died of his injuries.

The homicide team took over when the BC Coroners Service said the man’s death was suspicious.

It says in a statement that the BC Prosecution Service has approved one count of first-degree murder against the man’s son, Jackson Doyle.

Police say the accused will remain in custody until at least his next court appearance.

The homicide team says investigators remained committed to solving the case with the help of the community of Egmont, the RCMP on the Sunshine Coast and in Richmond, and the Vancouver Police Department.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2024.

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Metro Vancouver’s HandyDART strike continues after talks break with no deal

Published

4 hours ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

VANCOUVER – Mediated talks between the union representing HandyDART workers in Metro Vancouver and its employer, Transdev, have broken off without an agreement following 15 hours of talks.

Joe McCann, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724, says they stayed at the bargaining table with help from a mediator until 2 a.m. Friday and made “some progress.”

However, he says the union negotiators didn’t get an offer that they could recommend to the membership.

McCann says that in some ways they are close to an agreement, but in other areas they are “miles apart.”

About 600 employees of the door-to-door transit service for people who can’t navigate the conventional transit system have been on strike since last week, pausing service for all but essential medical trips.

McCann asks HandyDART users to be “patient,” since they are trying to get not only a fair contract for workers but also a better service for customers.

He says it’s unclear when the talks will resume, but he hopes next week at the latest.

The employer, Transdev, didn’t reply to an interview request before publication.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2024.

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