Hate oppression,

Hate oppression, but fear the oppressed.

This was my first English assignment in English 101. We were to respond in a persoanl way tot he quote stated above.

Oppression comes in many different forms. Sometimes oppression is very visible, and sometimes it is not. We are all aware of the oppression of those held in differing forms of physical bondage. We can see the evidence of their abuse, the scars they wear, the ways they respond to others. We may not, however be aware of oppression that is not so clearly seen.

Oppression sometimes happens when a person or group that is in power decides how things will be done, what is right, and who does not belong. These people of power use distinguishing factors that divide, or make people different from one another. Sometimes they use their religious or intellectual views to target certain groups or people who do not think the way they do.

These thoughts make their way into society and are given to our children at an early age. As they grow and develop, they may discover that they themselves do not fit into the proper mold society has determined is right and proper. They develop anxieties and fears of being discovered. They seek solace, but none is to be found. They disassociate themselves from friends and family, they may even try to disassociate themselves from life.

While it may be in some people's best interests to ignore the cries of the oppressed, it is more important to hear those cries, and showing the love and compassion of Christ, reach out to the oppressed before they determine that their lives are a waste.

Jesus, in his earthly ministry, often went to those who were on the margins of society. These were the people that no one would reach out to. These were the ones who needed his message more than anyone, and were more open to what he did and what he had to say.

Oppressors may see the need to fear the oppressed, not because of eminent rebellion against them, but because in seeing the injustice of their opp ression of others, they see how little of how they deal with the oppressed resembles the ministry of Christ. And it shows them just how closed their hearts and minds really are to the love of God

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