Oppression

Definition

Oppression refers to the systemic and pervasive mistreatment, control, and discrimination of a particular group by those in power. This term captures the social, economic, and political forces that maintain inequality and marginalization. It often manifests in various forms such as racism, sexism, and classism, shaping the experiences and identities of those affected, particularly in the context of marginalized communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Fences' and 'The Piano Lesson', characters experience oppression through their struggles against systemic racism and economic disenfranchisement.
2. Both plays highlight how oppression affects family dynamics, individual aspirations, and community relationships among African Americans.
3. Oppression in these works is often portrayed through the characters' personal histories, reflecting broader social issues faced by their communities.
4. The impact of oppression leads to internal conflict among characters as they grapple with their identity and place in a society that marginalizes them.
5. The use of symbolism in both plays underscores the weight of oppression on the characters' lives, revealing their desires for freedom and recognition.

Review Questions

• How does oppression manifest in the lives of the characters in 'Fences'?
  • 'Fences' illustrates oppression primarily through Troy Maxson's experiences as an African American man navigating a racially biased society. His struggles with employment limitations due to his race reflect systemic barriers that inhibit his professional aspirations. The play also highlights how these oppressive forces strain his relationships with family members, particularly with his son Cory, who wishes to pursue a career in football—a path that Troy believes is unattainable due to the racial dynamics at play.
• Discuss the role of economic oppression in both 'Fences' and 'The Piano Lesson' and its effect on character motivations.
  • Economic oppression serves as a significant theme in both plays, where characters face financial hardships that shape their aspirations and interactions. In 'Fences', Troy's job as a garbage collector symbolizes his limited opportunities and reinforces his feelings of bitterness. Similarly, in 'The Piano Lesson', the struggle over the family heirloom piano reflects deeper issues of heritage and financial instability. These economic pressures motivate characters to make choices that often lead to conflict within families and between generations.
• Analyze how the themes of oppression in these works contribute to a broader understanding of African American experiences during the 20th century.
  • The themes of oppression depicted in 'Fences' and 'The Piano Lesson' highlight the complexities of African American life in the 20th century, revealing how systemic racism and economic challenges intersect to shape individual identities. These narratives illustrate not just personal struggles but also collective histories marked by resilience amid adversity. By examining these themes, audiences gain insight into the enduring impact of historical oppression on contemporary issues facing African Americans today, emphasizing the ongoing quest for equality and self-determination.

Related terms

Discrimination: The unjust treatment of different categories of people, often based on race, gender, or socio-economic status.

Systemic Inequality: A form of inequality entrenched in societal structures that perpetuates disparities in wealth, education, and opportunities among different groups.

Marginalization: The social process of making a group or concept insignificant or peripheral within society, often resulting in exclusion from important societal roles and resources.