More on USer Oppressor Patterns
USer distresses can prevent USers from noticing other people’s good thinking and can interfere with it being carried out. The following are some examples of U.S. oppressor patterns:
- Finding non-USers’ perspectives uninteresting or irritating
- Finding non-USers entertaining or “cute,” while not showing ourselves or making a real connection
- Assuming what we notice about the world is the only relevant view, or everyone’s view
- Taking up space without regard for others (We often do this physically. We also tend to dominate the RC e-mail discussion lists and international RC meetings. We talk more and sometimes “over” other people. Our opinions usually end up carrying more weight [being considered more seriously] than other opinions.)
- Thinking we know better than others (In asking participants to reflect on some theory taught in a class, a leader might say, “Tell me what you heard.” Then U.S. participants, instead of responding to the leader’s request, will add bits to the theory or share a situation that is an exception to it.)
- Assuming that what we know is the complete story
- Insisting that our individual ideas or comfort must take priority over a group agenda
- Taking over [assuming responsibility for] a task, even when someone else has been assigned to do it
I’m sure this list is incomplete.
Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
Reprinted from the RC e-mail discussion list for USA political issues
(Present Time 207, April 2022)
Last modified: 2022-12-25 10:17:04+00