Oppression Cannot Be Approached Theoretically

Throughout this collection of essays, Moraga continually makes the point that in order to combat oppression, one must first have experienced it in his or her own life. This is because oppression is something which cannot be reduced to purely economic or material terms. While it is certainly true that gender and race discrimination have had negative effects—fewer jobs, lower wages, and so on—the real pain of discrimination is the psychic and spiritual damage it causes. The extent of this damage, however, is not something that can be observed scientifically. It can only be known if it has been felt directly. For this reason, Moraga does not believe that she was truly conscious of oppression until she came out as a lesbian. Though technically a member of a minority, her light skin was able to procure her all kinds of...