Action Continuum
print version

Actively Participating
Telling oppressive jokes, putting down people from target groups,intentionally avoiding target group members, discriminating against target group members, verbally or physically harassing target group members.

Denying, Ignoring
Enabling oppression by denying that target group members are oppressed. Does not actively oppress, but by denying that oppression exists, colludes with oppression.

Recognizing, No Action
Is aware of oppressive actions by self and others and their harmful effects, but takes no action to stop this behavior. This inaction is the result of fear, lack of information, confusion about what to do. Experiences discomfort at the contradiction between awareness and action.

Recognizing, Action
Is aware of oppression, recognizes oppressive actions of self and others and takes actions to stop it.

Educating Self
Taking actions to learn more about oppression and the experiences and heritage of target group members by reading, attending workshops, seminars, cultural events, participating in discussions, joining organizations or groups that oppose oppression, attending social action and change events.

Educating Others
Moving beyond only educating self to question and dialogue with others too. Rater than only stopping oppressive comments or behaviors, also engaging people in discussion to share why you object to a comment or action.

Supporting, Encouraging
Supporting others who speak out against oppression or who are working to be more inclusive of target group members by backing others who speak out, forming an allies group, joining a coalition group.

Initiating, Preventing
Working to change individual and institutional actions and policies that discriminate against target group members, planning educational programs or other events, working for passage of legislation that protects target group members from discrimination, being explicit about making sure target group members are full participants in organizations and groups.

Created by P. Griffin & B. Harro, 1982. Taken from Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice: A Sourcebook, 1997

<<back

One Ummah Consulting
729 Kimball Street Northeast ♦ Fridley, Minnesota 55432 ♦ 612.599.6716
info@oneummahconsulting.com