Internalized Oppression: The Psychology of Marginalized Groups 1st Edition

After reading this book, I felt a profound shock and sadness then an unexpected feeling of liberation to know that I am actually suffering from internalized oppression. To me this is great news I have finally found the main reason why I am suffering from low self-esteem, self-hatred and fear. Finally, my pathway to healing and success has begun. Thank you, Dr. David!CONTENTSContributors ixForeword by Eduardo Duran, PhD xiiiPreface xixAcknowledgments xxvPART I. INTRODUCTION1. What Is Internalized Oppression, and So What? 1 E. J. R. David and Annie O. DerthickPART II. AMERICA’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES2. The Internalized Oppression of North American Indigenous Peoples 31John Gonzalez, Estelle Simard, Twyla Baker-Demaray, and Chase Iron Eyes3. Internalized Oppression and Alaska Native Peoples: “We Have to Go Through the Problem” 57Jordan Lewis, James Allen, and Elizabeth Fleagle4. Internalized Oppression Among Pacific Island Peoples 83Michael Salzman and Poka LaenuiPART III. MARGINALIZED RACIAL/ETHNIC COMMUNITIES5. Self-Hatred, Self-Doubt, and Assimilation in Latina/o Communities: Las Consecuencias de Colonización y Opresión 109Carlos P. Hipolito-Delgado, Stephany Gallegos Payan, and Teresa I. Baca6. Internalized Racial Oppression in the African American Community 137Tamba-Kuii M. Bailey, Wendi S. Williams, and Brian Favors7. Asian Americans and Internalized Oppression: Do We Deserve This? 163James B. Millan and Alvin N. AlvarezPART IV. SOCIALLY DEVALUED GROUPS8. Girls, Women, and Internalized Sexism 191Steve Bearman and Marielle Amrhein9. Internalized Oppression and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community 227Kevin L. Nadal and RJ Mendoza10. Disability and Internalized Oppression 253Brian Watermeyer and Tristan GörgensAfterword by James M. Jones, PhD

Great book that helps to explain the history behind oppression for many varied groups. Also explains how oppression of each group discussed continues to affect members of that group, down to today. If you are in a line of work where you are in contact with the public frequently- social services, mental health, medicine, law enforcement, teachers- I would highly recommend reading to help familiarize yourself with others who likely have different life experiences. Increasing cultural competence helps us all.

I had an inkling of oppression from articles but as usual the truth sets you free and not in the biblical sense. It is an awareness that it still happens in the world where those with power and those who don't, clash. Those with power try to control, through whatever means available, to break spirits and keep them there. Problem with what has been done is promulgated through the generations. How unfortunate we humans are the cause for suffering in the world.

A very important book about a very important topic. People and individuals that have felt marginalized and oppressed can find a voice that speaks for them. The challenges of healing the wounds of Internalized Oppression are many, and unfortunately the book doesn't go into that enough. Perhaps it's because it's such a new topic that, although it's pervasive and been around for centuries, it's only beginning to come to light.

An excellent overview of an important concept and how it applies to various minority groups! More people, esp. people of color, need to read this!