The Class
Writing prompt
Frye’s definition of oppression is very specific and uncommon. Critics argue that groups which are actually oppressed do not fall under the category, according to the author’s illustration, while those that aren’t legitimately oppressed are considered as such.
Marilyn Fries states that women are oppressed as a group but men, at the same time, are not. She also defines main characteristics essential to the oppressed personality. First of all, they must be restricted by some kind of barriers. Secondly, the restrictions must affect the person in a negative way. In particular, loose freedom, independence, and self-confidence. Third, the restrictions must be a mass phenomenon but not an isolated case and repeat systematically. Fourth, the restrictions must benefit someone, in particular, a social group that imposes the system which tolerates the oppression. The author argues that men support and benefit from the oppression that women face in certain ways.
Frye’s definition of oppression has its own logic and “it applicability to other situations is imperfect” (Gillingham, 2012). Groups that face restrictions every day cannot be considered as oppressed according to the Marylin Frye since groups on the other side of the barrier do not necessarily benefit from the inequality. There are many examples that prove wrongness of the Frye's perspective of oppression. People who represent sexual minorities face many barriers implied by nowadays society. They rarely share employment benefits with long-term partners, do not gain the United States citizenship even if they marry a resident, are often not allowed to adopt children, etc. Even sexual minority representatives are not rare, they still lack a lot of benefits and rights that people with the traditional orientation do. In many cases, they suffer from oppression, inequity, and prejudice. Nevertheless, they cannot be considered oppressed according to Marylin Frye. Her explanation of the notion includes a group or a few groups that benefit from the inequity. In the following situation, no one benefits or takes advantage of difficulties faced by sexual minorities representatives.
Another example of a group that is oppressed are people of Arabic origin. Historically, they have never been unnoticed or equated with the United States citizens. What's more, legal boundaries they face are not the only obstacles on their way to what they plan to achieve in the country of their dream. Their opportunities are often limited by the law, both written and oral. It is a subject of controversy whether the group fits or doesn't fit the Frye's definition of oppression. It depends on the fact whether other groups like the US citizens, people of other nationalities benefit from Arabic descent being oppressed. It also depends on the types of barriers that separate the “opponents”. The first barrier is limited job opportunities. People of the above-mentioned origin are often denied because of a prejudice towards them. A lot of events, in particular, 9/11 left a negative mark on their social life in another country. People from Arabic states face suspicion and judgment which affects their personal, school life and career. Many presidential candidates, in fact, refuse from hiring a Muslim into their administration. Arabic countries representatives undoubtedly face oppression because of their identity. They meet all the criteria which characterize an oppressed group according to Marylin Frye. People of Arabic descent face barriers which prevent them from a full life. The restrictions are imposed not by single individuals but by large groups which consist of people who belong to non-Arabic descent. Oppression targeted at Muslims are rather systematic in their nature. The question is whether Americans and people of other identities benefit from the inequity. There is no any straightforward answer to this question. Even though other people must be friendly and tolerant towards representatives of the Arabic descent, technically they still are in a better position and have an advantage over the minority in many cases. In this context, people of Arabic descent fit into the definition of oppression by Marylin Frye.
Frye brings other arguments that justify the Arabic descent people belonging to the category of oppresses. She states that showing “opposition to the situation results in an even deeper bind” (Dillard University, 2014). It can be applied to the current situation and inconveniences that Muslim people face globally. It is also true that they turn into an immobilized group or a group that is prevented from many opportunities and advantages they should not be.
Works Cited
Dillard University (2014). Marylin Frye's Summary. Feminism and Philosophy. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
Gillingham, E. (March, 2012). Frye's “Oppression”: An inadequate definition. EM Journal. Retrieved April, 8, 2016.
