Oppression In Orange is the New Black - Blog 4

One of the prevailing themes in Orange is a New Black is the pervasiveness of oppression. Our political system has evolved to the point where it oppresses people who break the law—they put them in prisons. Oppression becomes a  synonym for punishment. The show’s underlying message is that oppression occurs everywhere. 

The depiction of this oppression in this film gives us examples that we can reference to better understand the concepts we are being taught in class.  Highlighted in this particular episode of Orange is the New Black called “Tit Punch”  are the almost, fatal adaptations that occur in a prison environment. One inmate is thankful she has cancer; making her an unlikely target for cruelty. Another more elaborate example is when Chapman, the main character is prevented from eating for commenting negatively on the prison food within earshot of the head kitchen manager, Reds.  Reds instructs the obedient cafeteria line employees to refrain from serving her any meals until otherwise notified. They comply out of fear of her ability to control people. Chapman, after four days of no food becomes weak and desperate for ideas to regain acceptance by Reds. It's not invisible to Chapman at this point in the film, but she is technically being manipulated to behave in ways against that she clearly has not before.  Chapman is forced to utilize the only resources she has available to her to make amends with the person who has power over her. This results in making her look submissive to Red's power, which in turn may or may not affect her future during her prison sentence. This remains to be seen in future episodes. Nonetheless, she has been forced to adapt to a new way of behavior. An ideology is produced; the idea that the strongest and smartest survive and the weak are demoralized.  

Analyzing the film with Marxist theory perspective gives the opportunity to see what is happening in the world around us more clearly. Oppression is everywhere. Google ”Current oppression news”, over 6 million hits will appear for the current year.