Iris Young’s, “The Five Faces of Oppression,” provides a lens through which we can examine the existence of oppression in contemporary America. Exploitation persists in America today, most notably in the sector of economic inequality. The wealth gap between the top 1% and the rest of the population continues to widen, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. The working class, often forced to work multiple jobs for meager wages, face a stark contrast to the extravagant wealth amassed by the elite. The average person in America can’t thrive, let alone survive off the minimum wage while the 1% has more money than they or future generations down the line will ever need. The prevalence of precarious employment, where workers lack stable jobs, benefits, and protections, further exemplifies the exploitative nature of our economic system. The gig economy, characterized by platforms like Uber and Lyft, exploits workers by denying them basic employment rights, such as healthcare benefits and job security. Cultural imperialism is another face that persists in America through the dominance of certain cultural norms and the marginalization of others. An example can be seen in the erasure and trivialization of indigenous cultures. Native American traditions, languages, and land rights have been systematically suppressed and undermined throughout history. The ongoing Dakota Access Pipeline controversy exemplifies this cultural imperialism, as it disregards the rights and sovereignty of indigenous communities, placing profit and corporate interests above indigenous heritage and environmental concerns. Examining America through the lens of Iris Young’s “The Five Faces of Oppression” reveals the presence of exploitation and cultural imperialism. Economic exploitation is evident in the growing wealth gap and the exploitation of vulnerable workers in the gig economy. Cultural imperialism persists in the erasure and marginalization of indigenous cultures. These forms of oppression highlight the need for systemic change and a reevaluation of our societal structures.
