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  • Writer's pictureEmma Norton

The -isms That Shackle Us

Stereotypes are an expression of oppression. Generally they are placed upon us and we are delivered the choice to fall into them and be classified or choose our own adventure in the situation. It is in our current societal state where there is an exploration into the collective responsibility of how to make amends and move forward in solidarity. Longstanding generationally biased opinions have been confining people to detrimental stereotypes in order to keep a vibrant state of oppression alive.


Many stereotypes are negatively associated and we play into these roles because we lack the empathy for ourselves. Being pigeonholed unjustly into a role that is based on usually a singular facet of who we are, places a hold on our souls and limits our liberties. But it is our choice to fall into it or to work on ourselves to create a new positioning. This goes for all of the -isms as I refer to them, as the injustice keeps coming to the surface to be released.


Imagine being profiled based on your physicality and growing your identity upon your outward appearance. Now imagine you are interested in something that doesn't generally fall into your 'category' that has been supposedly streamlined for your wellbeing by the conditioning of society, passed down with each generation. I guess you miss out or risk being an outcast, depends on your choice. Either way, you start to feel stuck, victimized, treated unjustly, just because you were born with some strands of DNA that create your genetic makeup and you have been told that this is just who you are.



Many stereotypes are negatively associated and generally, they are placed upon us and we are delivered the choice to fall into them and be classified or choose our own adventure in the situation. It is in our current societal state where there is an exploration into the collective responsibility of how to make amends and move forward in solidarity. Longstanding generationally biased opinions have been confining people to detrimental stereotypes in order to keep a vibrant state of oppression alive.s on unity and how we can all work together to let our guards down. We deserve to feel safe to express all aspects of ourselves and not play into the one-dimensional role we have been boxed into.


It's the acceptance of the absurdity that is the problem. It is the turning a blind eye to the pains of the world until there is an eruption. Therein lies the true issue. It is the egos that fabricate these preconceived notions about others and buying into them is what perpetuates the ridiculousness because some people seem to think that it is tidier to live in such a manner. But the naivety mixed with the generational trauma creates the perfect storm.


It's the acceptance of the absurdity that is the problem. It is turning a blind eye to the pains of the world until there is an eruption. Therein lies the true issue. It is the egos that fabricate these preconceived notions about others and buying into them is what perpetuates the ridiculousness because some people seem to think that it is tidier to live in such a manner. But the naivety mixed with the generational trauma creates the perfect storm.


Finally, to clarify I say 'we' because if you go through it, I'm right there with you. Collectively we are a 'we' and the more the focus is on that mentality, the more compassion and action toward learning can occur for all of us.

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