"There are forms of oppression and domination which become invisible – the new normal."

The core idea here is that certain kinds of control and suppression can blend so seamlessly into our daily lives that we don't even recognize them as oppressive. They become just another part of our everyday existence, so ingrained in our routines and social norms that they seem perfectly normal—even though they're anything but.

Let's rewind a bit to give this some context. This idea isn't new. Throughout history, we've seen countless examples where oppressive practices were normalized. Think about the Jim Crow laws in the American South or the rigid caste system in India—both were systems of inequality that were so embedded in their respective societies that people often accepted them without question. The same goes for gender roles that dictated what men and women could or couldn't do for centuries. The key issue is that when something oppressive becomes the norm, it's much harder to challenge and change.

Imagine you're working in a company where overtime isn't just expected—it's the unspoken rule. No one explicitly says you have to stay late, but everyone does it. Over time, it becomes part of the company's culture. You might start to think it's normal to sacrifice your personal time for work because everyone else does it too. This isn't just about long hours—it's a form of domination where your personal life is overtaken by your job, and because it's so common, you don't even see it as a problem anymore.

Let's talk about how you can apply this wisdom. First, you have to become more aware. Start questioning the norms around you. Just because something is widely accepted doesn't mean it's right or fair. Look at your surroundings, your workplace, your social circles. Are there practices that seem unfair or one-sided? Speak up or find allies who feel the same way. Change often starts with awareness.

Now, picture this: You’re in a small town where everyone has the same expectations about what a successful life looks like. Let’s say the norm is to go into the family business. It’s what your parents did, it’s what their parents did, and it’s what everyone expects you to do. But you, you’ve got a passion for art. You want to paint, to create. However, every time you pick up a brush, you feel this invisible pressure—it’s the weight of your town’s expectations.

You might start to think that pursuing art isn’t a real option for you. That’s the invisible domination at work. It’s subtle, no one’s chaining you to a desk, but the societal expectation is just as powerful. The first step to breaking free is recognizing that invisible force. Once you see it, you can start to resist it. Maybe you keep painting on the side. Maybe you find a mentor who encourages you. Over time, you might even change the town's perception of what’s possible.

In short, the invisible forms of oppression are the hardest to fight because we don’t always see them. But once we do, we can challenge them—slowly, steadily, and with a clear vision of the freedom we deserve.