Religious Oppression Paper

Discussions and controversies over religious oppression have been around for centuries. There have always been dominant religious groups and groups that are oppressed due to their religious beliefs (Levy, 2015). Religion is often deeply embedded within individuals and is typically instilled at a very young age. It can be one’s moral foundation, and can set guidelines for a person’s way of living. Religion helps us make sense of our world and keeps people united (Neely, 2015). It gives meaning to ideas such as heaven, hell, rebirth, and more (Levy, 2015). Religion provides strength and support to people during hardships, and can be a means of comfort during times of need. Having a strong faith can relieve stress and anxiety, and offers a peace of mind during uncertain circumstances. As discussed with our guest speakers from Speaking Down

Barriers, it takes an effort to become self-aware of the prejudices we hold. Knowing that prejudicial stereotypes are embedded within us can help us to control whether we allow them to affect the way we treat people who may view things differently than us (Neely, 2015). As a growing society, it is important for us to be accepting of others. People holding different beliefs, values, interests, and ways of living are what makes the world go round. A diverse world should be embraced and not seen as negative or intimidating. There is much to be learned from each of our neighbors, and once we are able to embrace the diversity that our world offers, we will be able to grow from one another and co-exist in a peaceful and productive way (Neely, 2015).
My Oppressions and Privileges
What I have found interesting about religion is that it is one of my statuses that I have been able to easily suppress. I have gone through most of my life without having to disclose to others my personal views and opinions on religion. Other memberships such as race, gender, or class can be more noticeable and recognizable. Even though we often assume another’s religious preferences through their mannerisms, attire, or particular clothing garments, it is not always the case. As stated in, Readings for Diversity and Social Justice , one’s appearance and religious views cannot always be correlated (Adams, etl. 2013, pg. 297). For example, we cannot assume someone is Christian because they dress conservatively or that someone is atheist because they wear all black. Becoming aware of my memberships and reflecting upon personal experiences has allowed me to understand how religious stereotypes have affected me directly.
I have been able to blend in with the majority of others in my daily interactions because we share common statues such as education, class, and serving our community through work and service opportunities. These commonalities have led people to assume that we must also share other beliefs such as our views on politics or religion. These assumptions are often inaccurate and discomforting as people have a tendency to assume that being Caucasian, educated, and living in the Bible-Belt means you are Christian. This stereotype is also true when people assume being African American means you were raised Southern Baptist. Once these convictions are formed, conversations about personal beliefs are openly shared or disapproval for other religious groups are expressed. I have found these experiences to happen frequently and without consideration or respect to others whom may feel differently. People are quick to assume that because we look and act alike, we must believe and value the same systems. After being able to realize the way others feel about people who aren’t the same, it is easy to form walls and become reluctant to open up and share personal feelings and views. If I am already aware of how someone truly feels, then why would I want to take the risk of also being out-casted? This helps me relate to the oppression that others experience when they are judged for the religion that they openly practice and how difficult it must be for them.
Learning about Myself
I have learned over the years that religion is a topic that I try to avoid with people who are acquaintances or that I interact with daily. This is because I have quickly learned that others, especially in the area that we live in, are not very accepting of people who have different views about religion. Although being a person of faith can be difficult, it can be even harder to be an Agnostic or Atheist (Adams, etl. 2013, pg. 297). I have witnessed that if people become aware that someone is of a different religion, they are quick to judge and stereotype that individual. It is not easy possessing the minority view while living in a country with so much Christian Privilege (Adams, etl. 2013, pg. 230). Furthermore, based on my experiences thus far, I feel I have not been privileged nor oppressed due to my religious opinions. I have not been privileged because I am not open about going to church and do not belong to a certain religious affiliation. I am not oppressed because people are not aware of my true religious feelings. Since I remain neutral, people assume I share the same beliefs as the majority. I accept that if I was open about my religious views, then I would experience religious oppression and would have very different experiences.
Learning from Others
My mother and father spent their adult years in the north. My mother was born and raised in a small farm town in Ohio where everyone pretty much looked and acted the same way. Interesting enough, in this small town her grandparents who were very influential in her life were not very religious people. This is always so surprising to me because when I visit this small part of town most of the people openly share that they believe in God. There is also a large group of Dunkards that live in this community. My mother and her family attended a small town church that was a Unitarian Universal church. All people were welcomed despite their race, sexual orientation, class, or religion they practiced. We frequently visited this church when we were growing up. It was a close congregation and we either knew most of the people who attended or they were family members. I can remember attending Sunday school classes and learning about different types of religious beliefs, especially during the holidays. I found it favorable that during the ceremonies there was not one dominant religious group represented. In fact, it was never clear how each member of the church believed which was very comforting. We were there to learn together, grow, and share about our personal experiences regardless of differences. Learning how to be a better person was not based on the similar belief in a higher power. I felt a sense of belonging, and it was reassuring that we were not excluding other groups based on any other status.
My dad was raised in Mississippi by his grandparents until he was six, and then moved to Cleveland when he was seven. He was the eldest of his siblings and was being raised by a single mother. His father was in and out of his life, so he had to take on the caretaker role from a very young age. He had three younger siblings and there was a lot of responsibility and stress that fell upon him. He was expected to be a man when he was still a child. He was taught and raised in the Baptist church. My dad shares that although he regularly attended church throughout his childhood, he still had many questions and it was never appropriate to ask them. The expectation was to follow and do because that was the way it worked. This was difficult for him being a child of poverty and dealing with so much oppression. The struggle that he experienced, led him to question the faith that was pushed upon him, which eventually became the driving force that led him to explore other religious views.
The combination of their very different upbringings gave each of them unique perspectives on how they wanted to raise their children. My parents encouraged us to explore various avenues and then decide for ourselves what was important to us. Once in elementary school, I came home and told my mom I told a group of peers that I did not believe in God. Her mouth immediately dropped open and I could tell she was stunned. We then had a long discussion on how it is not a good idea to share that with others because they may not be accepting and might treat me differently. From then on I have found that to be true for the majority of my interactions with people in this area. In high school, I can recall feeling anxious about meeting new adults for the fear of them asking what church I went to. I did not want to be placed in a position where I would have to lie, but I also knew that I could not answer honestly. When encountering these moments, I have always found it easier to give the expected answer rather than create a controversial conversation. Hiding my oppression has been easier than taking the risk of being judged or discriminated against.
Illuminating Issues through Class Readings and Discussions
After reflecting on my religious views and why I believe the way I do, I have learned that I am very ignorant of various religions and their practices.

Since I was not brought up in a religious household, I find it uncomfortable to discuss the topic with fear of being prejudged. Through this course and self-reflecting, I am realizing that it is necessary to further educate myself on various religions in order to obtain a more knowledgeable and pluralistic mindset (Adams, etl. 2013, pg. 229). I have always focused on my moral beliefs rather than being a religious or spiritual person. It is my opinion, that religion and being a good person or doing the right thing are separate concepts. Overall the most meaningful life lessons I have learned, are from the negative treatments I have experienced due to my own oppressions. Therefore, I would not want to be the reason for someone else’s discomfort or hurt so I am more cognizant of the things that I say or the reactions I give off. I would want others to feel accepted for their oppressions, and be comfortable knowing they will not be judged by the things they are not privileged

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Re-thinking Old Ideas and Ways of Working
Moving forward, I would like to take advantage of opportunities to learn more about others’ religions and value systems. The more educated and aware I can become, the better I can relate to others, appreciate their perspectives, and build a strong rapport based off mutual understandings. Religion is a part of our history, and as a society, it can explain a lot about why people are the way they are (Neely, 2015). I found it very meaningful and appreciated the opportunity to hear and learn from our guest speakers when they expanded on our topic of religious oppression. I was able to connect with each speaker and agreed that although our country is making progress, we are often still taken aback when we see things that are not the “norm” (Neely, 2015). This statement registered but I also thought about the excitement I feel when I see diversity thrown in our faces; whether it is a biracial couple in a commercial or a gay couple holding hands while walking down the street. Given that our religious values are deeply embedded within us, I do not think my personal views on religion will ever change. At the same time, I will still strive to learn and become more open minded about various religions and each of their practices.