"Oppression happens because it is the cowards tool" -Unknown

Oppression... I have been hearing a lot about it lately. Although it is mainly being brought up in class, I know that this oppression thing is happening all around the world. But right now I want to talk about oppression towards people with disabilities. Why does it happen? From my perspective, people insult and degrade others who they think are below them so that they can feel good about themselves. We've all once been bullied... just think of this on a larger scale. We've all been hurt mentally and physically by bullies and we always wonder when the teasing would end. So before you open your mouths to insult others, try to put yourself in their shoes. Everyone has feelings no matter who you are. First off, social construct plays a big role in oppressing others. Social construct generally defines stereotypes that cause people to believe towards other groups (Class Discussion Sept 8 - Oct 20, 2011). Although not all of the ideas of are true, some people still choose to consider them. I also believe that people consider what they hear is because they are not educated on the truth. Sometimes when these social constructions are strongly believed in by society, members of the targeted group (people with disabilities) begin to accept the messages of them as being true. This is called internal oppression. The targeted group also start to doubt their capabilities and even start to judge their own self-image (Class Discussion Sept 8 - Oct 20, 2011). 
As well, I see this issue as a cycle. I believe that if we stop judging others and take the time to get educated, this horrible cycle will end.

Here are some facts that I have researched and included in my Interview Assignment Report. I decided to include it in my blog because this information includes oppression not only towards people with disabilities but also gender, class, and age inequality.

Some additional facts that I have learnt is that eighty percent of people living with disabilities occur in undeveloped countries ("Enable international convention," 2006). This may be due to the lack of health care and knowledge considering this condition and the absent amount of money required for medical treatments. “Woman and girls with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to abuse”. Studies show that in Orissa, India, nearly all females are beaten and raped at home ("Enable international convention," 2006). Also, “ninety percent of disabled children in developing countries do not attend school” which is an example of social closure due to the fact the privilege for them to learn is taken away ("Enable international convention," 2006). These facts are shocking due to the lack of rights these people have. No one deserves to be punished on behalf of their health issues and this is where social equality should be evident. I am also knowledgeable that there many organizations that help reduce the violence in a disabled persons life such as UNICEF. People can also help by informing others of this situation and model good behaviour towards persons with special needs. (Hua, 2011)