Oppression

What are the "isms?" Sexism, racism, heterosexism, adultism, ageism, classism, and ableism are just a few examples.
The connection between any type of violence and the isms is power and control. Isms are a form of oppression. A person can oppress another person by using power and prejudice. As a result, the oppressor (people with power) are able to tell folks with less power (the oppressed) what to do, stereotype them, dictate the way they live, etc.

So how can you recognize the "isms?" They are easy to catch when they take on their obvious forms, like racial slurs, offensive jokes, and hate-fueled violence. But it's much more common for the -isms to use more subtle/hidden tactics.

The following are a few definitions of "isms" with a couple of examples:

Racism
Discrimination against a group because of their color. Anyone can be prejudiced (prejudge or stereotype someone because of their race or treat them badly because of their skin color). However, in the United States, only white people have societal power to be racist against people of color. Examples:

• Not giving service at a store or restaurant because of your race.
• Name calling or racial slurs tagged on your locker.

Adultism
Discrimination against youth because of their younger age. Adults have the societal power to discriminate against youth. Examples:

• Only allowing 1-2 teens in a store at a time (assuming young people steal).
• Yelled at or ridiculed by adults.

Heterosexism
The assumption that every person is heterosexual and any identity outside of this is discriminated against. Heterosexuals have the societal power to discriminate against gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (GLBTQ) people. Examples:

• Not allowing GLBTQ people to legally marry one another.
• Being outcast from their families and friends which can result in homelessness or even suicide.

Classism
Discrimination against people because of their income. Middle and upper class people have the societal power to discriminate against low-income people.

• Higher Education/college is inaccessible and unaffordable for low-income people, which creates an educational and opportunity divide between upper-income and low-income people.
• Mistreatment in grocery stores by cashiers when using food stamps to purchase food.

Sexism
Discrimination against a person because of their gender. Males have the societal power to discriminate against females. Examples:

• Not getting paid as much as men for the same job.
• The expectation that women will be caretakers of children.

Ableism
Discrimination against people with disabilities. Able-bodied people have the societal power to discriminate against disabled people. Examples:

• Not having ramps to access a building or business.
• Not hiring someone for a job they could perform because of their disability or mental illness.

All these isms are connected, feeding from the same model of inferiority and superiority, preventing so many from feeling equal. All isms are connected, so it is important to be an ally and focus on ending all types of oppression, not just one. Sometimes, depending on a person's identity, they can face multiple forms of oppression at once. For example, women of color often experience sexism and racism at the same time. Teens who live in a poor family experience adultism and classism simultaneously.

So get out there, expose the "isms," fight for equality, and make the world a better place!