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Like one diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) consultant, I can tell you that systemic racism, sexism, and a list of other institutional factors affect the success of black entrepreneurs. However, sometimes, the problems we face when reaching for success do not come from outside, but from within WITHIN. Here's what internal oppression is, four ways it can hold you back from success, and how to overcome it.
What is internal pressure?
By definition, internal oppression is the belief among a group historically marginalized people that stereotypes and negative messages about their inferiority and parallel messages about the superiority of the dominant group are true. Here's how internal oppression can manifest in your life.
1. You don't feel good enough for some opportunities
If a great opportunity presents itself in your professional life—say, a potential partnership, a promotion, or an invitation to speak about your work—you may be tempted to turn down opportunities because of internal pressures and imposter syndrome. You are not alone. According to one 2020 study conducted by Maryville University, about 70% of Americans have experienced imposter syndrome; however, research shows that race can amplify its effects, especially for people of color. It is important to understand how internal repression and impostor syndrome can reduce your confidence in the face of opportunity.
What you can do about it: Lean into positive affirmations. Write down your best qualities or look in the mirror and acknowledge and recite them orally. Whether you have great ideas, great public speaking skills, an effortless ability to network, or amazing amounts of creativity, once you trust and recognize your innate abilities and gifts, you can begin to see a new opportunity as divine intervention compared to something you are unworthy.
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2. You elevate the voices of those in the dominant culture while suppressing other marginalized voices
Internalized oppression can make us not only feel bad about ourselves and our ideas, but also about the ideas of others who share our identity. Representation matters. If we only hear ideas from the dominant culture being acted upon and celebrated, it can be difficult to lift up ideas from other marginalized people in the workplace. It's not necessarily our fault. A surprisingly low one 3.2% of senior management roles in large companies are filled with black professionals, and for those individuals, it is not easy to feel that their ideas are heard or valued.
What you can do about it: Begin to understand the roots of the desire to diminish another's success. Engage in introspection about your childhood, family dynamics, and early career experiences. It may be that in your formative years, your thinking and ideas were curtailed by an authority figure and this may have actual effects on your professional life.
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3. You pull other marginalized people when they are up for promotions or advancements
When you feel weak, it can be tempting to bring others down to your level. However, this mindset is holding you and them back from success. As mentioned earlier, internalized oppression and lack of representation can perpetuate feelings of powerlessness and inferiority, which can play a role in how you feel about yourself and others like you in the workplace.
What you can do about it: Imagine that the person who is winning in the office, getting that promotion and achieving success, is you. Close your eyes and see yourself in their position. Internal oppression can make us feel in competition with others at our level. Instead of dragging them down, imagine what it would be like if you were the one succeeding and channel that energy the next time you see another marginalized person doing well. Who knows, you might be the next person in line for that breakthrough.
4. You remain silent when injustice occurs in the workplace
It is not easy to stand up when another person is treated unfairly. Ultimately, internal oppression tells us that we “deserve” it or that our inferiority justifies such treatment. But it is not true. Fearing that we may experience the same punishment for standing up and being vocal, some marginalized people may turn the other cheek to injustice or mistreatment when it happens to others in the industry or in the workplace. When we stand up for others, we also stand up for ourselves.
What you can do about it: Practice speaking in the mirror. Perhaps you witnessed an injustice at work recently, try to reenact that scenario at home privately and experiment with finding artful ways to protect someone in the end. discrimination or harassment. Equip yourself with the language, practice and skills to feel confident when faced with the important task of speaking.
Final thoughts
When it comes to DEI, the work starts inside, whether you're working in your own business or serving as an employee. In order to achieve more success, we must find the power within us and dispel the false narratives of unworthiness and impostor syndrome. The best source for strengthening can often be found and fostered in the community. When we lift other marginalized people out of the depths of oppression and celebrate their victories and successes, we can often find the strength to give ourselves the same support and hope.