The Colours of Resistance Archive is a collection of analysis and tools for liberatory organizing and movement-building.

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Classism

Refers to the ideological belief that people deserve the privilege or oppression of their class based on their “merit”, “social status”, level of education, job, work ethic, etc… Although many people suffer under capitalism, classism is relative, eg. student “poverty”. … Continue reading

Transphobia

The fear and persecution of transgender/transexual persons. Rooted in a desire to maintain the gender binary (i.e. the categories ‘male’ and ‘female’), which obscures the reality of the fluidity of gender and invisibilizes the experience of persons who do not … Continue reading

Homophobia

The fear and persecution of queer people. Rooted in a desire to maintain the heterosexual social order, which relies on oppressive gender roles.

Heterosexism

“The belief in the inherent superiority of heterosexuality and thereby its rights to dominance” (Canadian Council for Refugees). Describes an ideological system and patterns of institutionalized oppression which deny, denigrate, and stigmatize any nonheterosexual form of behavior, identity, relationship, or … Continue reading

Reverse Sexism

Term created to deny sexism. Fails to acknowledge that the word sexism exists because we live in a patriarchal society where men are dominant and women are subordinate (and where men are privileged simply because they are men).

Internalized Sexism

Refers to the “internalization” of gender role socialization and sexism.

Sexism

Perpetuates a system of patriarchy where men hold power and privilege and women are subordinate to men.

Ageism

The normalization and privilege of people within the preferred age range in a society. This age range defines who is taken seriously, catered to by most goods and services, allowed to have an impact on decisions in the society, and … Continue reading

Cultural Appropriation

Theft of cultural elements for one’s own use, commodification, or profit — including symbols, art, language, customs, etc. — often without understanding, acknowledgement, or respect for its value in the original culture. Results from the assumption of a dominant (i.e. … Continue reading

Cultural Imperialism

Imposition of a dominant (i.e. white) culture on others, rendering other cultures subordinate, invisible or exotic. Results from social and economic power differences and may include language (i.e. English), values, customs, religions, dress, icons, art forms, etc. Comments on Definition … Continue reading

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