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Oppression

Updated: Jan 22



As parents, one of our most significant roles is to educate our children—not just about academics, but about the history that has shaped our world, particularly the struggles and achievements of our ancestors. Recently, I sat down with my children and watched the documentary Martin Luther King Jr.: Enough is Enough. The experience was emotional, to say the least. It brought tears to my eyes, not just for the pain and injustice that King fought against but also for the reality that our people continue to face oppression in 2025.

 

Examples of Civil Rights:


- The right to be free from discrimination.

- The freedom to worship as we choose.

- The right to gainful employment.

- The protection of due process.

- The right to privacy.

 

Examples of Oppression:


- Racism: The use of political, social, and institutional power to justify the belief that one race is genetically inferior to another.

- Classism: The oppression of people based on their social class, including feelings of superiority, inferiority, or hostility towards other classes.

- Sexism: Prejudice or discrimination based on sex or gender.

- Exploitation: The unfair treatment of individuals who are paid for their labor but are not compensated fairly.

- Ableism: Discrimination against people with disabilities based on the belief that they are inferior to non-disabled individuals.

 

Facing Challenging Conversations

 

It's not easy to explain these complex topics to young minds. The history of civil rights, social justice, and systemic inequality can be heavy for children to bear. However, it's urgent to have these discussions. The emotions that surfaced in me—anger, frustration, and disappointment—came from a profound realization: if we, as parents, don't share our history, who will? Schools are often not equipped or willing to provide the whole picture. It sometimes feels as if they aim to erase our history, leaving our children blinded to the truths of those who fought before us.

 

Balance is Key

 

While attempting to find a suitable documentary on YouTube, I encountered glitches that made it difficult to access quality content on our television, which only occurred on that app, not the others. I told my children that our ancestors were present and wanted them to watch something real. It's okay to watch cartoons, but we shouldn't give up our responsibility to the government to raise our children, and a balanced mix of entertainment and educational content is essential for their healthy development.

 

Equipping Our Children for the Future

 

As parents, we hold a wealth of history, knowledge, and wisdom. It's disheartening to see many neglect this invaluable resource. This isn't simply about conveying facts or instilling bitterness or hatred for others. It's about empowering our children. We want them to grow up knowing their strength, seeing themselves as resourceful individuals, and unlocking the potential their minds and voices possess. When our hearts and minds align, we stand for something significant. We should guide our children, not control them. It is about inspiring independent thinkers who understand the power of their voices and the importance of standing up for what is right.

 

Start the Conversation Today

 

So, please start the conversation now. Engage with your children about our shared history. Share stories, watch documentaries together, discuss the lessons learned, and connect those lessons to their lives today. Teach them that they are more than passive learners—they can actively participate in the ongoing fight for equality and justice. We have the responsibility to educate our children. Don't shy away from the hard truths. Face them head-on, together.

 

Our children deserve to know their history, understand their strengths, and learn how to use their voices for change!





 

 

 

 

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