Shadez of Oppression

[DISCLAIMER]

Photo credit, fair use

During a 1964 interview, el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz (better known as Malcolm X) was asked about his perspective on the matter of freedom. Given the racial tensions of the civil rights movement, I appreciate the activist’s advocacy for personal ownership as he stated:

No Negro leaders have fought for civil rights. They have begged for civil rights. They have begged the white man for civil rights. They have begged the white man for freedom.

And anytime you beg another man to set you free, you’ll never be free! Freedom is something that you have to do for yourselves. And until the American Negro lets the white man know that we are really ready and willing to pay the price that is necessary for freedom, our people will always be walking around here as second-class citizens, or what you call 20th-century slaves.

[Interviewer: What price are you talking about, sir?] The price of freedom is death.

When in graduate school for social work, I delved deeper into the teachings of el-Shabazz to better understand oppression (unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power). Regarding the sort of governmental oppression faced by el-Shabazz during his lifetime, Wikipedia states:

The word oppress comes from the Latin oppressus, past participle of opprimere, (“to press against”, “to squeeze”, “to suffocate”). Thus, when authoritarian governments use oppression to subjugate the people, they want their citizenry to feel that “pressing down”, and to live in fear that if they displease the authorities they will, in a metaphorical sense, be “squeezed” and “suffocated”.

Using my approach to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), I quibble with misuse of the word “feel” in that description. A feeling is either an emotion (i.e., I feel joy, fear, anger, sorrow, disgust, surprise, etc.) or a sensation (e.g., I feel tightness in my shoulders when stressed).

Presumably, use of “feel” in the aforementioned description relates to the cognitive experience of perception. Thus, authoritarian governments likely want their citizenry to perceive that “pressing down” upon them will occur when authorities are displeased.

When I was involved in a social work educational program, students were taught of systemic and structural oppression. This form of unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power can occur at a social level. Regarding this type of social oppression, Wikipedia states:

A common conception of social oppression is seen as when a single group in society unjustly takes advantage of, and exercises power over, another group using dominance and subordination. This then results in the socially supported mistreatment and exploitation of a group of individuals by those with relative power.

Discussed herein, there are differing shades of oppression. Unhelpfully, many of the social work educators at the University of Texas (UT) as Austin’s School of Social Work (now “Steve Hicks School of Social Work”) maintained that only white men were culpable for societal oppression.

Although I was familiar with REBT from my counseling graduate program, I didn’t fully take personal responsibility and accountability (collectively “ownership”) for my response to such racist and sexist lessons. Admittedly, I could’ve responded in a healthier manner than I did.

Being the fallible human being that I undeniably am, I self-disturbed quite a bit with irrational beliefs about the teachings of educators, as well as behavior of university staff and students alike. The consequences of my beliefs almost resulted in my removal from the educational program.

Still, there were moments of saliency during which I used thinking that was logical and reasonable (collectively “rational”). Describing an example of such an instance, in a blogpost entitled Tables Will Turn, I stated:

The ultimate outcome of third-wave and later fourth-wave feminist movements (arguably, intersectionality), as I would learn years after departing UT, was more in line with female supremacy or “girl power.” To oppress the oppressor was the unexpressed goal. Therein lies the problem.

If my peers truly resented oppressive behavior, why was the aim of their movement to employ use of similarly oppressive tactics in order to achieve desired outcomes? Wasn’t it the oppressive actions that were ultimately problematic in the first place? I argue in the negative.

Rather, it was the identity thought to be in control that was more worthy of destruction, and that was the underlying focus of collective action. At one point in the classroom chaos, I stated to one of my screaming colleagues that she wasn’t seeking justice though she seemed to advocate the turning of tables regarding oppression.

Her response was something along the lines of, “Good! Now you know what it feels like!”

Ostensibly, my former social work educational peers wanted me to perceive suffocation of the female-dominated educational (85.8% female) and occupational (81.1% female) field of social work. Yet, since women are overrepresented in this regard, I held no actual power or privilege.

Perhaps my social work peers would disagree. Given the quote of el-Shabazz, in consideration of my experience at UT, a quote from the Blak Madeen song “Shadez of Oppression” (2022), featuring The Impossebulls, comes to mind. “Freedom ain’t free, but it’s yours to lose.”

Fortuitously, I had the good sense not to charge my former social work educators and peers the price of freedom. Instead, I self-disturbed into an angry disposition, explored the work of el-Shabazz in order to gain clarity about my situation, completed the program, and moved on.

Recently, I was reminded of my UT experience. A close friend of mine recommended that I watch the adult animated fantasy action television series The Legend of Vox Machina. Although I’ve not completed the series, a line from season three, episode two stood out to me.

Discussing the potential of introducing firearms to a world in which they didn’t previously exist, Percy de Rolo (male) states to Anna Ripley (female), “Once the weak rise up, what’s to stop the oppressed from becoming oppressors?” Thus, Percy challenged Anna’s motives as I did at UT.

Despite my support of the Second Amendment, as I maintain that paying the price of freedom is historically associated with firearms, I comprehend the reasoning behind not presenting advanced weaponry to a fantasy world in which the potential for oppression may upsurge.

On one hand, people in such a land may remain subject to authoritarian power structures. Without an ability to physically fight against oppression, they could plausibly experience seemingly unending rule by tyrants.

Further, I understand that the Second Amendment wasn’t drafted for the purposes of hunting or personal self-defense. Those who founded the United States comprehended that “freedom ain’t free, but it’s yours to lose,” so identifying an inalienable right for national defense was cited.

On the other hand, people in a fantasy land may behave much in the manner as my former social work educational peers. Turning the table of oppression, instruments for national defense against oppressive behavior may not “stop the oppressed from becoming oppressors.”

Shadez of oppression from authoritarian governments to enclaves of social manifestation aren’t matters which will plausibly ever cease to exist. Arguably, such oppression has existed since imperfect human beings came into existence.

Therefore, I appreciate being able to draft a blogpost in which there aren’t necessarily any easy answers to the issues outlined herein. This is precisely how complex systems function. Thankfully, it isn’t as though I should, must, or ought to have all the answers to problems in life.

Often, there aren’t any simple answers. Likewise, there isn’t a utopic solution to the impermanent and uncertain matters of life about which one may self-disturb with unfavorable beliefs. Thus, I practice unconditional acceptance when contemplating shadez of oppression.

It may be true that the price of freedom is death. It may also be true that oppression is an inherent experience in life. Also, it may be true that some people thirst for power. These individuals may seek to oppress others after having once been members of the oppressed class. (Hi, feminists.)

How much control and influence do I have regarding any of these matters? Very little (if any). Therefore, I unconditionally accept the limits of my abilities while instead turning toward matters about which I can do something (e.g., drafting a poorly written blogpost on oppression).

In closing, the price of literal freedom may be death. If one isn’t prepared to meet that cost, then the price of virtual freedom from self-disturbance is significantly less. Are you prepared to pay this amount through dedicated practice of REBT techniques? If so, I’m ready to ring you up.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As the world’s foremost hip hop-influenced REBT psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

References:

Apple Music. (n.d.). Blak Madeen. Apple, Inc. Retrieved from https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blak-madeen/276875219

Apple Music. (n.d.). The Impossebulls. Apple, Inc. Retrieved from https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-impossebulls/59822784

Blak Madeen – Topic. (2022, June 2). Shadez of Oppression (feat. The Impossebulls) [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/DHZ9r_76GRE?si=RGhmoJIwIUqb1VJC

Bradshaw, R. (2020). 2019 Statistics on social work education in the United States. Council on Social Work Education. Retrieved from https://www.cswe.org/research-statistics-0a2756984f2446870db6e935f0e44221/research-briefs-and-publications/2019-annual-statistics-on-social-work-education-in-the-united-states/

Data USA. (n.d.). Social workers. Retrieved from https://datausa.io/profile/soc/social-workers

Hollings, D. (2022, May 17). Circle of concern. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/circle-of-concern

Hollings, D. (2024, October 29). Cognitive continuum. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/cognitive-continuum

Hollings, D. (2024, March 19). Consequences. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/consequences

Hollings, D. (2023, April 22). Control. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/control

Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer

Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use

Hollings, D. (2024, May 11). Fallible human being. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fallible-human-being

Hollings, D. (2022, November 13). Fear. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fear

Hollings, D. (2024, May 17). Feeling better vs. getting better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feeling-better-vs-getting-better-1

Hollings, D. (2023, February 9). Feminism. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feminism

Hollings, D. (2025, March 5). Five major characteristics of four major irrational beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/five-major-characteristics-of-four-major-irrational-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better

Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/

Hollings, D. (2024, October 21). Impermanence and uncertainty. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/impermanence-and-uncertainty

Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching

Hollings, D. (2023, January 8). Logic and reason. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/logic-and-reason

Hollings, D. (2025, February 4). Money and the power. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/money-and-the-power

Hollings, D. (2023, September 3). On feelings. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-feelings

Hollings, D. (2023, April 24). On truth. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-truth

Hollings, D. (2022, November 7). Personal ownership. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/personal-ownership

Hollings, D. (2023, March 20). Practice. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/practice

Hollings, D. (2023, November 23). Problems. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/problems

Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist

Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt

Hollings, D. (2024, December 5). Reasoning. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/reasoning

Hollings, D. (2022, November 1). Self-disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-disturbance

Hollings, D. (2022, October 7). Should, must, and ought. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/should-must-and-ought

Hollings, D. (2024, February 12). Tables will turn. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/tables-will-turn

Hollings, D. (2025, January 2). The distinction between law and justice. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-distinction-between-law-and-justice

Hollings, D. (2025, January 16). The words we use matter. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-words-we-use-matter

Hollings, D. (2025, February 28). To try is my goal. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-try-is-my-goal

Hollings, D. (2024, October 20). Unconditional acceptance redux. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-acceptance-redux

Hollings, D. (2024, April 10). Welcome to complex systems. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/welcome-to-complex-systems

Kamali, S. (2021, April 5). Malcolm X: Why el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz matters. The Revealer. Retrieved from https://therevealer.org/malcolm-x-why-el-hajj-malik-el-shabazz-matters/

Mrholtshistory. (2008, April 20). Malcolm X – The price of freedom is death [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/AQjup0DGW_Y?si=kD8yQBYMZTPNoZRK

Radcliff. (n.d.). [Quotes] “The price of freedom is death.” Malcolm X [Image]. Pinterest. Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/814588651358998253/

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Civil rights movement. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_rights_movement

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Girl power. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_power

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Intersectionality. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersectionality

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Oppression. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oppression

Wikipedia. (n.d.). The Legend of Vox Machina. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Vox_Machina