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Dismantling Racism Resource Book
Internalized Racist Oppression
The Impact of Internalized Racist Oppression on our Community
Internalized Racist Oppression (IRO) is the internalization by people of color of
the images, stereotypes, prejudices, and myths promoted by the racist system
about people of color in this coutry. Our thoughts and feelings about ourselves,
people of our own racial group, or other people of color are based on the racist
messages we receive from the broader system.
For many people of color in our communities, IRO manifests itself as:
Self-Doubt
Inferiority Complex
Self-Hate
Powerlessness
Hopelessness
Apathy
Addictive Behavior
Abusive and Violent Relationships
Conflict between people of color communities
The Process of Oppression
When one looks at the history of oppression of people of color in this country,
though there are many differences, there are also many similarities that people of
color have faced in the process of oppression. All of these methods are still being
used in the continuing process of oppression.
Violence and the Threat of Violence
Change in Behavior
Destruction of Culture
Division, Separation, Isolation
Dismantling Racism Project 41 Western States Center