Lateral Oppression- The Toxic Nature of the Colonized Mind

Author: Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell — Co3 Consulting, LLC

What is lateral violence? From limited online information, “Lateral Violence” or “Lateral Oppression” occurs when women of color turn on each other utilizing colonized tools and behaviors normalized within workplaces, community groups, and social settings. These ‘behaviors of success’ have deep roots in a culture focused on maximizing competitive advantages, prioritizing profit, and valuing unchecked growth. For marginalized communities, they often translate into ongoing oppression, generational trauma, and continued experiences of discrimination.

Many men and women of color will often assimilate into the dominant culture to be considered successful in our culture, emulating white supremacy practices within their workplaces or communities. It is one thing to experience such behavior from a European-American boss or colleague who may be oblivious to the value-seeking they place in such behaviors. It can become much more uncomfortable when this behavior is present among Black, Brown, and Indigenous colleagues of color at work.

When a woman of color directs these toxic behaviors toward other women of color, the cycle of lateral oppression can be devastating. This type of violence is particularly harmful because it only furthers the divides between minority women.

Social systems and individuals are caught in a feedback loop of cultural reinforcement. In a culture founded on colonized values and ideals, the colonized mind emerges from the feedback loop to create a paradigm of individualism that fosters self-destruction over community healing for the perceived benefit of power and financial gain. Along with generational trauma, the toxic nature of the colonized mind leads minority women to become the oppressors while directing their anger at those who look just like them.

Lateral oppression happens with women of color and occurs among women in general. However, when someone like myself, a woman of color, experiences the act of oppression and domination from another woman of color, it cuts differently. Women of color who suffer from the colonized mind turn on other women instead of confronting the inner consequences of their generational oppression, such as internalized racism, internalized superiority, and internalized patriarchy.

This intimidation is cyclical, and it replicates the dynamics of the oppressor-oppressed relationship. Feelings of distrust and suspicion among colleagues of color become immobilizing. When this colonized behavior occurs in the workplace, it creates an unproductive and hostile environment that plagues entire communities, teams, and organizations.

Adult bullying can also arise as a manifestation of unhealed trauma.

Without addressing these root causes, which perpetuate harm and division among organizational members, including women of European descent, there can be no healing for any past trauma incurred by individuals in this space.

The first step we must take as women is acknowledging that lateral oppression is a part of our daily reality. I use ‘lateral oppression’ over ‘lateral violence’ because the clarity of language is a critical step in this process. No one is physically accosted in lateral oppression, but the emotional and mental harm can be just as devastating.

This acknowledgment process further includes unpacking the internalized racism, patriarchy, and superiority we carry within us. Once we become aware and accountable for how we oppress ourselves and each other, we can address the issue head-on with practical tools.

One example is being personally proactive by building resilience amid challenges through self-reflection and breathwork practices. Another is calling women ‘in’ to engage in dialogue about lateral oppression when we see it happening. Finally, we begin to dismantle oppressive systems and seek liberation together, but only after completing the work within. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s necessary if we want our healing to activate the co-creation of a more just and equitable society for all.

We all suffer from this Colonized Mind. Building our awareness of it and working with each other to dismantle the normalized oppressive behaviors in workplaces is key to moving our organizations, corporation, and communities into the 21st century and out of the 20th century.

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Authors note:

Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell is the Principal Consultant and CEO of Co3 Consulting: Co-Creating Cohesive Communities. The work of Co3 Consulting is based on the foundation of ALOHA and utilizes a unique blend of Indigenous philosophies and Western methods to work through decolonial healing processes.

Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell (she/her/wahine) identifies as an Indigenous scholar born and raised on the island of O’ahu, Hawaii, and has over 20 years of experience working in public, private, and non-profit sectors with a focus on social justice, community organizing, and leadership development. Dr. G earned her doctorate in Transformative Studies and Consciousness from the California Institute of Integral Studies and her master’s in Whole Systems Design from Antioch University, Seattle. She has been a HeartMath Certified Trainer since 2014. You can learn more about her work at www.Co3Consulting.net and www.EvolutionOfAloha.com