CR#5 Oppression is more than being oppressed

After reading the two articles, Young and Diaz explain oppression through their own opinions and experiences. Diaz states, “Different causes lead to different modes of oppression, which are interrelated but do not operate in the same way” (46). Many people think very black and white when it comes to oppression. However, there are so many different ways for a person, group of people, culture to be oppressed. Everyday oppression is happening whether it be noticed nationally or by a single person. Young wrote, “But oppression also refers to systemic constraints on groups that are not necessarily the result of the intentions of a tyrant” (39). She like Diaz sees oppression that much more than how society portrays it. Diaz identifies as “oppressed and impoverished” because she considers herself being oppressed due to her income, but she understands that she is getting an income, so she is impoverished.

“Lo cotidiano, therefore, has an extremely important role in our attempt to create an alternative symbolic order” (49). The idea of lo cotidiano can help explain and add dimension to societal ideas of oppression. Oppression is not just something that affects the current society, but it will have an effect on future generations. Lo cotidiano is like common sense, the practical-ness of life and society. Being aware of the common, reoccurring oppressions is how lo cotidiano applies to now.

At my clinical site, I am serving the geriatric community by providing assistance in any means necessary. Even though some of the people I am serving are more stable economically than the other communities people are serving, I still see lo cotidiano experiences.