When we think of trauma, most people conjure up images of war-torn countries or natural disasters. While those are certainly forms of trauma, Dr. Eve Ewing argues that there’s another kind: everyday oppression.
- Audit culture: “It’s not just about getting graded wrong,” says Ewing. “It’s about the constant feeling of being watched and judged.”
- Caricatures of vulnerability: When we’re told to ‘be more open’ or ‘share our feelings,’ are we really giving up power, or perpetuating harmful norms?
- Silence as violence: In a world where marginalized voices are silenced, is the lack of representation an act of trauma in itself?
“Trauma is not just about what happens to us; it’s also about how we’re treated.” – Dr. Eve Ewing
The idea that power circulates pain may seem abstract, but think back on times when you’ve been belittled, overlooked or excluded. The sting of those experiences can linger long after the initial incident has passed.
How Power Circulates Pain: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a breakdown of how power circulates pain:
- Idealization and betrayal**: When we idealize others, they become symbols of our own aspirations. But when that person fails to meet those expectations – or even worse, actively works against us – it can be devastating.
- Gaslighting: By manipulating the narrative around trauma, abusers can distort reality and leave victims questioning their own perceptions.
- Institutionalized abuse**: When systems perpetuate harm, they create a culture that encourages – or at least turns a blind eye to – traumatic behavior. This isn’t limited to overtly abusive situations; even seemingly benevolent institutions can be complicit in the circulation of pain.
“Pain is not something you get over. It’s something you learn to live with.” – Dalai Lama XIV
This article isn’t meant to be a laundry list of horrors or an exhaustive treatise on trauma. Rather, it aims to highlight the ways in which power circulates pain and create space for readers to reflect on their own experiences.
The Power Dynamics at Play: A Quick Primer
Before we dive into the specifics of how power circulates pain, let’s take a moment to understand the broader power dynamics:
- Capitalism and exploitation**: When profit is prioritized over people, it creates an environment where those with more wealth and privilege hold disproportionate influence.
- Racism, sexism, homophobia: These systems of oppression create barriers to power that are both subtle and overt. They can manifest in microaggressions, biases, or outright discrimination.
- Privilege as a barrier to understanding: Recognizing the privileges we hold is crucial for building empathy and fostering positive change.
“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel
By acknowledging the ways power circulates pain, we can begin to create a more compassionate society that prioritizes healing over harm.
A Call to Action: Breaking Down Walls and Building Bridges
Say you’ve experienced trauma as a result of systemic oppression. You might feel like your voice is marginalized or even erased altogether. What steps can we take to ensure our voices are heard?
- Listen actively**: When someone shares their story, make eye contact, nod along, and validate their emotions.
- Silence is not enough: Simply being present isn’t enough; we must also take action to address the systemic issues causing harm.
- Center marginalized voices**: Instead of dominating conversations with our own experiences, let’s amplify the stories and perspectives of those who’ve been historically silenced or marginalized.
“You can’t heal what you don’t acknowledge.” – Dr. Brené Brown
The journey towards healing begins when we acknowledge the pain inflicted upon us. It takes courage to confront our own complicity in systems that perpetuate harm, but it’s a crucial step towards building bridges and fostering positive change.