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As a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant, I can let you know that systemic racism, sexism, and a long list of other institutional aspects impact the success of entrepreneurs of color. But sometimes the issues we face in our quest for success don’t come from outside ourselves, but reasonably from inside. insideHere’s what internalized oppression is, 4 ways it might hold you back from success, and how to overcome it.
What is internalized oppression?
By definition, internalized oppression is the belief among a group of historically marginalized those who negative stereotypes and messages about their inferiority and parallel messages about the superiority of the dominant group are true. Here’s how internalized oppression can manifest in your life.
1. You do not feel adequate to benefit from certain opportunities
If a great opportunity comes your way in your skilled life—say, a potential partnership, a promotion, or an invitation to talk about your work—you could be tempted to turn down opportunities out of internalized oppression and imposter syndrome. You’re not alone. According to A 2020 study by Maryville UniversityAbout 70% of Americans have experienced imposter syndrome; nevertheless, research shows that race can amplify its effects, especially in black people. It is necessary to understand how internalized oppression and imposter syndrome can undermine confidence in the face of opportunity.
What you’ll be able to do about it: Rely on positive affirmations. Write down your best qualities or look in the mirror and verbally affirm and recite them. Whether you have great ideas, excellent public speaking skills, a knack for networking, or incredible creativity, when you suspect in and recognize your innate abilities and gifts, you’ll be able to begin to see a recent opportunity as a divine intervention reasonably than something you are undeserving of.
2. You are elevating the voices of those in the dominant culture while suppressing the voices of others who are marginalized.
Internalized oppression can make us feel not only bad about ourselves and our own ideas, but also about the ideas of others who share our identity. Representation matters. If we hear that only the ideas of the dominant culture are being implemented and celebrated, it might be difficult to uplift the ideas of other marginalized people in the workplace. It’s not necessarily our fault. Surprisingly low 3.2% of senior management positions in large firms, positions are held by black professionals, and it is difficult for these people to feel that their ideas are heard and valued.
What you’ll be able to do about it: Begin to understand where the urge to belittle others’ successes comes from. Engage in introspection around your childhood, family dynamics, and early skilled experiences. It could also be that during your youth, your opinions and ideas were belittled by an authority figure, and this will have ongoing consequences for your skilled life.
3. You drag down other marginalized people when they struggle to get promoted or promoted
When you’re feeling down, you could be tempted to drag others down to your level. However, this mentality holds you and them back from achieving success. As mentioned earlier, internalized oppression and lack of representation can perpetuate feelings of powerlessness and inferiority, which may impact the way you view yourself and others such as you in the workplace.
What you’ll be able to do about it: Imagine that the one who wins the office, gets the promotion, and becomes successful is you. Close your eyes and see yourself in their shoes. Internalized oppression can make us feel like we are in competition with others at our level. Instead of dragging them down, imagine how you’ll feel if you were the one who succeeds, and channel that energy the next time you see one other marginalized person doing well. Who knows, you is likely to be the next person in line for a promotion.
4. You remain silent when injustice occurs in the workplace
It’s challenging to rise up for yourself when another person is treated unfairly. After all, internalized oppression tells us that we “deserve it” or that our inferiority justifies such treatment. But that’s not true. Out of fear that we’d experience the same punishment for standing up and being loud, some marginalized people may turn the other cheek to injustice or mistreatment when it happens to others in their industry or workplace. When we rise up for others, we also rise up for ourselves.
What you’ll be able to do about it: Practice speaking in front of a mirror. Perhaps you’ve recently witnessed an injustice at work, try to recreate that scenario in the privacy of your individual home and experiment with finding creative ways to defend someone who is being discriminated against or harassed. Equip yourself with the language, practice and skills to feel confident when you’re faced with the necessary task of speaking.
Final thoughts
When it comes to DEI, the work starts inside, whether you’re working on your individual business or you’re an worker. To achieve greater success, we want to find the strength inside ourselves and dispel false narratives of unworthiness and imposter syndrome. The biggest source of empowerment is often found and nurtured in community. When we pull other marginalized people out of the depths of oppression and have fun their victories and successes, we will often find the strength to give ourselves that very same support and hope.