Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

            A memory that I can relate to regarding the experience or bias, prejudice, and oppression would have to be the few years I was a single mother considered low-middle class.  I was not poverty, but for one income I indeed had to be conscious of spending.  I can remember the struggles I had in many aspects, financially, care, and assistance.  I was also in school during this time and juggling 2 boys in school, sports, and life.  I went to the local government service agency, social services to seek assistance for the financial debt I was falling into.  The only services I was eligible for was childcare service for my youngest child.  I had to be placed on a waiting list.  The waiting list was about a year long wait, once he started school, I received a letter stating he had a spot available.  Due to making what was considered too much money, I was not allowed to have any assistance during this hard time.  I remember thinking how do you better yourself with all these obstacles.  I was able to find a friend that could help me out.  But the thoughts of individuals whom just moved to a new location, what would they do in this situation.  Having no one near you, what sources could you use, if you are just above the federal number to receive assistance?  I was an individual whom went through a bad marriage and divorce, which resulted in a change of lifestyle I was willing to tackle.  I was not aware of the struggles that I indeed faced.  I felt stuck, I was in the middle of societal mainstream and the governments requirements for assistance.  I had to make several difficult choices that my family would suffer from, change in spending, sale of some items, work hours increased, family time was reduced, and more.  Suffering oppression because of an event that needed to occur but left my family and myself in hard times and feelings.  As there may be others that feel this degree of oppression, the reality that equity in our nation is not a priority.  I feel many in society are focused on themselves and those different can change their own destiny.  In art that is true, but do they have to endure adversities and years of hardship, just to climb out of their hole.  Can we as humans, not strive to help others regardless of their situation or one’s opinion?  We as individual can contribute to make an impact for equity, hoping others can and will follow.  Leading to a movement of change for the greater.  Acceptance begins with ourselves, just as awareness does.  Raising an opportunity to create a greater equity.