My Oppression

When someone like me sits down and thinks about the oppressions that I face, but also think about the advantages it is easier to think of the oppressions first. I am a young black female. The odds are against me first because I'm young. So one would think I'm inexperienced, immature, and unreliable. Since there is racism in the world, it is hard in certain situations to be a woman of color. Finally, being a woman has its connotations of its own. As we talked about in class, many of those ideals are negative. A woman is seen as dependent, weak, emotional, etc. All of those which are seen as negative aspects to have in the same work environment as a man.
As an educated woman, however, I am privileged. I am privileged to be able to sit in a classroom and work my way to earn a degree. Once I earn my degree, it will open up doors to many job opportunities I would not have been able to have a chance with before. Some people see woman having privileges like getting things done for them, or having people take it easy on them. However, I see that as an oppression also. I do not want to have people take it easy on me because they think I can't handle it. I do not see it as equal. Even though sometimes I do not mind a nice gentlemen to do things for me out of kindness, I do not want it done out of pity.
I do believe that as an educated woman we have a right to mitigate those privileges. I also believe that by first looking at everyone equal without stereotypes we could start to alleviate the oppressions that are brought upon us. It sounds like a simple thing to do, but when you really think about it when you first look at someone how they dress, talk, and look create a big first impression. First impressions aren't always correct and by being open minded it is easier to eliminate the labels that are usually forced upon us.