Oppression and Suppression still binds us with invisible chains

Community Columnist-Sherry Holliman

?Many people do not understand the difference between oppression and suppression. The differences between the two are linked together like a heavy bulging silver chain. As you remanence about history chains were historically used to physically capture and enslave people, particularly during the slave trade. These heavy metal chains symbolized physical bondage. The weight of the chains mirrors the concept of oppression, as they enforced a system where the entire populations were systematically dehumanized, controlled, and exploited over time.

Today the physical chains may be gone, but the oppression continues in the form of invisible chains of social, economic, and political structures that still hold people down. Racial inequality, gender discrimination, and systemic poverty are modern forms of oppression that restrict opportunities, same as the chains once did for slaves. These invisible chains keep marginalized groups bound to cycles of disadvantages and mistreatment. Suppression is also reflected in these invisible chains, as the act of limiting freedom and silencing voices continues. Voter suppression, or discriminatory laws can be seen as modern days forms of suppression, same as using chains to prevent movement. Even without physical restraints, individuals and communities are suppressed by societal barriers that limit their access to rights, justice, or self-expression.

??????????? Together, oppression and suppression are like the invisible chains that persist, restricting freedom and equality in ways that echo the horrors of slavery’s physical bondage. The heavy weight of the chain, prolonged and supported the systemic burden that holds individuals down, limiting their freedom or opportunities. The chain’s heaviness implies the constant and overwhelming control that oppression exerts on individuals or groups, much like how societal systems of power can oppress through inequality, discrimination, or injustice. Suppression, in contrast, can be seen as the chain actively restraining or restricting movement. The chain is always heavy and was strategically used to bind or limit specific actions. Even the bible shares a verse that speaks against oppression and suppression Proverbs 14:31: “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”

Why Does Oppression Exist? Oppression exists because of the desire for those in power to maintain control and protect their interests.? As you may have witnessed in today’s time and throughout history, systems of oppression and suppression have been used to dehumanize and disempower certain groups, to make sure that they remain excluded from decision-making processes. Whether through economic inequality, racial discrimination, and especially political exclusion, both allow those in power to maintain their privilege at the expense of others. Without representation in local, state, and federal elections, they lose the power to influence policies that affect their everyday lives such as education, healthcare, housing, and employment.

Although the constitution does not explicitly state that “all people are equal,” such as women, its principle is believed that equality, particularly, should be allowed. The Constitution has several amendments that protect voting rights, the 15th Amendment: Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude While the Constitution guarantees the right to vote, the reality is that many citizens are still fighting for that right today. Who is responsible for protecting the oppressed? The elected officials are! They are elected to uphold the democratic process, they are supposed to make sure that every eligible citizen has the right to participate in elections.

??????????? However, in many cities and communities, these same officials often fail to support voting rights, and even create barriers for voter participation. Their lack of support is a guaranteed way to support disenfranchisement and continues to undermine democracy and leave marginalized populations further oppressed. Oppression and suppression provoke feelings of humiliation, anger, and hopelessness. These emotions are often rooted in the perception that their worth as individuals is being diminished simply because of their racial or ethnic background. The resulting frustration is driven by the visibility of these systemic issues in society, where certain privileges are reserved for the majority while minorities are expected to conform to limiting social expectations.

Minorities are often targeted because they have historically been seen as easy to marginalize within power structures that favor the dominant race or group. Mainly because of economic disadvantages, lack of political representation, and cultural stigmatization, oppressed groups are often deemed less worthy of protection under the law, making them vulnerable to suppression. This not only violates legal protections meant to prevent discrimination but also undermines the principles of equity, justice, and fairness that society should uphold. It is shameful for our future generation to have to witness this continuous treatment of other humans! Why are grown adults that serve their spiritual leader on Sunday well dressed and power holding being told in this century to be kind and treat people the way you want to be treated!

WHY! Treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their race should not be an option but a given because all humans matter. ?Oppression and suppression in rural communities, particularly when it comes to voting, are ongoing issues that disproportionately affect the minority populations. Examples include voter ID laws that make it difficult for those without access to certain documentation to vote, closing polling places in?predominantly minority areas, and gerrymandering that dilutes the voting power of marginalized communities. These actions not only undermine the democratic process but also ignites racial division and tension within small communities.

?However, through organized processes and relying on certain laws to resist both and continued advocacy, the oppressed can fight back against voter suppression and work toward a more just and inclusive democracy. Oppression only serves the interests of those in power, but history has shown that?taking action can lead to change. When marginalized groups speak up and demand their rights, they can break the chains of oppression and suppression to ensure that every voice is heard.