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SWK270- PRIVILEGE; OPPRESSION IN SOCIAL WORK

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Part One:

My gender identity as a Black Christian man, is likely to be influenced by both societal

norms and cultural and religious beliefs.

Part Two:

From the Sexism, Heterosexism, and Trans* Oppression section in the Readings for Diversity

text book, I chose to discuss the essay "Feminism: A Movement to End Sexist Oppression"

by bell hooks. In this essay, hooks argues that feminism is not just a movement for women's

rights, but also a movement to end sexist oppression for all individuals. Hooks defines power

as "the ability to make things happen in one's life, to secure outcomes that are valued and

desired" (p. 28). She also notes that power is not just about domination, but about the ability

to effect change and make a difference in one's life.

Hooks argues that sexism is an oppressive practice that has an impact on people of all

genders. To combat sexism, she emphasizes the importance of group efforts, cultural

perceptions, and individual action. She also argues that a feminist movement must take on the

current power structures that support gender inequality in order to end sexist oppression and

create a more just and equitable society.

Overall, I learned from this essay that power is not just about domination but also about the

ability to effect change and make a difference in one's life. Additionally, I learned that ending
sexist oppression requires collective action and a shift in cultural attitudes towards gender

roles and expectations.

Part Three:

From the Sexism Oppression Module, I read the article "48 Things Women Hear in a

Lifetime (That Men Just Don't)" from the website HuffPost. This article presents a list of 48

examples of subtly sexist comments and attitudes that women often encounter throughout

their lives. Some of the comments include "you're pretty smart for a girl," "calm down, it's

just a joke," and "you're too aggressive."

Reading through this list of comments made me feel sad and frustrated that women continue

to face these kinds of subtle and often unnoticed forms of sexism on a regular basis. It also

made me reflect on my own actions and words, and how I can work towards being more

mindful of the ways in which I may unintentionally contribute to sexism and gender

inequality.

Part Four:

Socialization around gender begins from a young age and can vary depending on one's

cultural, familial, and social contexts. Boys are often socialized to be assertive, aggressive,

and dominant, while girls are taught to be nurturing, passive, and submissive. These gender

roles and expectations can shape individuals' behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes towards

themselves and others.

As a Black man who is Christian, my experiences with sexism may be impacted by my

intersectional identity. Black men have historically been stereotyped as hypermasculine and
aggressive, which can perpetuate harmful gender norms and expectations. Moreover, the

intersection of race and gender can lead to unique experiences of discrimination and

oppression, such as racial profiling and police brutality. As a Christian, my beliefs and values

may also shape my views on gender roles and equality, which can impact my experiences

with sexism.

It is important to note that experiences with sexism can vary based on individual

circumstances and contexts. For example, someone's experiences with sexism may differ

depending on the country or culture they are in, as well as their socioeconomic status and

education level.

In general, however, sexism can manifest in various ways, such as gender-based

discrimination in the workplace, objectification and sexual harassment, and gender-based

violence. As a Black man, you may also experience racism and discrimination based on your

race, which can further compound the impact of sexism.