The four I's of Oppression

  I hate stereotypes. I don't mean the stupid jokes about type casting hallmark movies or anime characters but I mean stereotyping someone based on core identities like gender, race, religion, etc. I as someone who was born a woman do not identify as a woman because of these ideologies of what a women is stereotype is. I don't want pin straight blond hair, I don't want a perfect body, I don't want to shave my legs or my arm pits, I don't want to have cutesie neat natural makeup, I don't want to wear pink crop tops and skinny jeans. Now that is only characterizing the stereotype of what a woman is because not every woman is going to like or dislike these things. The idea that this is what a women should like or want to be is relevant into today's culture. I am not just thinking of prior generational stereotypes but the ones of today. I know that this won't change or solve how the world treats me, but it is my own act of defiance against the ones who in force those ideas. Oppression can be seen in every context relating to S.C.W.A.A.M.P. and it is our job as teachers to stop it where it lies. When I was teaching CCD to catholic school students a student who was a boy came in wearing nail polish. Another kid made a comment negatively commenting upon the stereotype surrounding nails and femininity. I told the whole class that it is ok if a boy wears nail polish because it is not anything more than paint over someone's nails. I told the children that God will still love them the same, and then encouraged the children who where boys to give painting their nails a try. The idea of gender in the catholic church has heavy gender stereotypes and I felt proud as a teacher for standing up for this student especially with all of the harmful ideas that the catholic church spreads surrounding gender, gender identity, and sexuality.

Comments

  1. Nicole NunesSeptember 22, 2024 at 7:41 PM

    Hi Tessa! I absolutely love the comment you made to students about boys painting their nails. I think that the way you explained it to them was simple enough for them to understand but complex enough to break their view on a "feminine" habit. It reminded me of a video I saw on Instagram. A teacher I follow paint his nails and a student came into his class with his nails painted as well. Another student made fun of the student, and the next day the teacher brought in nail polish for everyone to paint their nails. The students all did that, and then the teacher sat down and talked with his high schoolers about whether or not they felt they were less of a man because their nails were also painted. I found the video very powerful, and I think your explanation was, too.

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  2. Catherine PaineSeptember 23, 2024 at 11:18 AM

    I loved the connection to S.C.W.A.A.M.P! I also really liked how you started your post. It was very powerful and eye catching, which made me want to continue to read your post. I agree that there are still gender stereotypes today that women in the world have to face. It's a sad reality that should not be a part of our society whatsoever. We should be able to express ourselves how we want to!! There should be no expectation of women having a certain hair color or style, our hygienic standards should be that of men (ie shaving our arms, legs, etc), we should not have to conduct ourselves delicately because the powerful men of our world tell us to. Amazing post I loved it!

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  3. K's Blog itOctober 6, 2024 at 2:31 PM

    I really like how you talked about stereotypes and their impact on our identities. It’s awesome that you challenge traditional ideas about gender and encourage your students to be themselves.

    Your example with the boy wearing nail polish is a great reminder of how important it is to support kids when they express themselves. It shows that stereotypes can hold people back, and it’s important for teachers to create a safe space where everyone feels accepted. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences!

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