The statement “This internalization is not a conscious choice but rather a deeply ingrained process shaped by repeated exposure to dominant narratives and the lived experience of marginalization” highlights the largely unconscious and passive role of a person’s conscious awareness in the initial stages of internalized oppression. Here’s a breakdown of why:

The Unaware Absorption:

• Repeated Exposure: The key factor is the repeated and often subtle exposure to dominant narratives. These narratives, carried through media, education, social interactions, and even seemingly innocuous comments, create a constant barrage of messages that devalue or stereotype marginalized groups.
• Deeply Ingrained Process: This constant exposure leads to these narratives becoming deeply ingrained in a person’s subconscious over time, much like cultural norms or societal biases are absorbed without active thought.
• Lived Experience Reinforcement: The lived experience of marginalization – facing discrimination, prejudice, and systemic barriers – unfortunately often confirms the negative narratives being presented. This creates a powerful feedback loop where external realities seem to validate the internalized beliefs.
• Normalization: Over time, these negative messages can become normalized, accepted as “just the way things are,” without the conscious mind actively questioning their validity or origin.

The Role of the Conscious Aspect: Initially Unawarely Passive:

In the early stages of internalization, the conscious mind is often unawarely passive in several ways:

• Lack of Critical Examination: The individual may not have the tools, awareness, or safe space to critically examine the dominant narratives they are exposed to. They might lack the framework to understand the concept of systemic oppression or how these narratives serve to maintain power structures.
• Internalization as a Survival Mechanism: In some cases, particularly in hostile environments, internalizing some of the dominant narratives might be an unconscious survival mechanism. For example, a child constantly told they are “bad” might internalize this to try and understand or navigate their treatment.
• Absence of Counter-Narratives: If positive and affirming counter-narratives about their group are absent or less prevalent in their environment, the dominant negative narratives are more likely to be absorbed unchallenged.
• Emotional Impact Overrides Logic: The constant experience of marginalization can lead to emotional distress (shame, anger, sadness), which can sometimes bypass rational, conscious processing and directly impact self-perception.

The Shift Towards Conscious Awareness:

While the initial internalization is largely unconscious, the conscious aspect of a person becomes crucial in recognizing, challenging, and ultimately dismantling internalized oppression. This often happens through:

• Critical Reflection: Consciously examining one’s own thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors and questioning their origins.
• Education and Awareness: Learning about systemic oppression, social justice, and the history of marginalized groups.
• Connecting with Others: Sharing experiences and perspectives with other members of marginalized groups can help individuals realize that their negative self-perceptions are not individual failings but rather shared consequences of systemic oppression.
• Therapy and Healing: Consciously working through the emotional and psychological impact of internalized oppression in a safe and supportive environment.
• Activism and Advocacy: Consciously engaging in actions that challenge oppressive systems and promote positive narratives about marginalized groups.

In summary, during the initial stages of internalized oppression, the conscious aspect of a person is often an unaware recipient, passively absorbing harmful messages due to repeated exposure and the reinforcement of lived experiences. However, conscious awareness and critical engagement are essential for recognizing and actively resisting the damaging effects of internalized oppression and moving towards liberation.