Page 13 - RACE HEALER Mag Volume 1

Internalized Oppression Encoded over the years.

And like me it includes experiences of joy
When a group is systematically mistreated over a long period of As well as traumas, hurts and tears.
time, members of that group may internalize the mistreatment
and unwittingly pass it on to others in their group. The internal- …..
ized oppression installs numerous triggers, which can emotional- The only solution is to push my own buttons--
ly manipulate those who are oppressed to participate in and even The ones that say “RESET”.
intensify their own oppression. This is true not only of the inter-
nalized oppression of racism, but all other forms of internalized We each have our own “RESET” buttons
oppression such as sexism. That bring us back to ground.
…..
My work to overcome racism has helped me identify and root
out many of my own triggers that have prevented me from being
more effective in my leadership in overcoming racism. It has also
helped me recover from some of the internalized oppression of
sexism. Besides becoming a more effective ally in overcoming
racism, I am braver, smarter and more effective in other areas of
my life.

Resetting Our Software

In building alliances to overcome racism, we must remember that
our triggers can coerce us to participate in oppression. While such
triggers are not our fault, we have a responsibility to “reset our
software.” The process of working to overcome racism and cre-
ating a nation striving for racial justice, fosters our own empow-
erment.

In closing, portions of the poem, For the Re-stimulated Co-Coun- They reboot our system
selor by an unknown author, emphasize overcoming our triggers And allow us to carry on.
by “resetting our software.”
They clarify our thinking

The problem has to do with my software And the emotions old patterns spawn.
And programming that for years has been set. They are like the old computer key combination
It goes back to those early decades— We called “CONTROL, DELETE, and ALT”.
…..
I have to step back and remember
That you are responding to your own programming Healing racism frees your mind as it comforts your heart.

Get to know the author

Rita Starr is dedicated to educating citizens to foster justice and overcoming all

forms of discrimination. She founded Healing Our Nation which gives people new

skills and understanding regarding prejudice and racism as it emboldens their

leadership and connects hearts. She has authored two books, Making Sense of

Racism and Spiritual Principles for Overcoming Racism.