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Glossary

Oppression

The cyclical, systematic subjugation of one social group by a more powerful social group for the social, economic, and political benefit of the more powerful social group. Oppression = Power + Prejudice. (52)

Oppression Olympics

A term coined by Elizabeth Martinez used when two or more individuals or groups weaponize their identities to compete in order to prove who is more oppressed and, in turn, “worthier.” People who participate in Oppression Olympics tend to ignore the fact that it is possible for multiple groups to be oppressed, and necessary to address all of those problems. Because of this, Oppression Olympics can act as a silencing tactic since it tries to redirect focus from or deny the importance of oppression. (53)

Citations

52. Racism Defined - dRworksBook

53. Oppression Olympics

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

The JJI Glossary defines terms that are necessary in discussing equity in the arts. This glossary is the result of countless hours of thoughtful research and innovation by our team.

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