26/07/2026
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 : 𝐈𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐬
Campus Press Freedom Week often reminds us of journalists who have been silenced, threatened, or censored. Yet oppression does not begin when a newspaper is shut down or when a journalist is attacked. It begins much earlier—in ordinary moments when prejudice is tolerated, when misinformation spreads unchecked, and when people choose silence instead of speaking against injustice. Before oppression is enforced by institutions, it is first accepted by society.
History shows that oppression rarely appears overnight. It develops through repeated acts of discrimination that slowly become normalized. What begins as stereotypes and exclusion can eventually evolve into policies and systems that deny people their rights and dignity. Oppression succeeds not only because of those who abuse power, but also because of those who become comfortable watching it happen.
This is why press freedom matters. Journalism serves as one of society's earliest safeguards against oppression by questioning authority, verifying information, and giving voice to communities that might otherwise go unheard. When journalists, campus publications, and ordinary citizens can no longer speak freely, oppression becomes easier to normalize because fewer people remain willing—or able—to challenge it.
Psychology helps explain how this process unfolds. According to Henri Tajfel and John Turner's Social Identity Theory, people naturally categorize themselves into groups based on race, religion, political beliefs, economic status, or culture. While group identity creates belonging, it can also produce an "us versus them" mentality. Once another group is viewed as different or inferior, discrimination becomes easier to justify. This pattern can be observed in everyday situations—from bullying inside classrooms to prejudice in workplaces and communities.
Another explanation comes from the Bystander Effect, introduced by John Darley and Bibb Latané. Their research found that individuals are less likely to intervene when others are present because they assume someone else will act. This helps explain why oppression often grows quietly. Many recognize injustice but remain silent, believing it is someone else's responsibility or fearing they may become the next target.
The digital age has made this problem even more urgent. UNESCO warns that online hate speech and misinformation continue to fuel discrimination and social polarization. A single misleading post, viral video, or manipulated narrative can shape public opinion, reinforce harmful stereotypes, and justify unequal treatment of certain groups. In this environment, journalism becomes even more essential—not only to report events but also to verify facts and challenge falsehoods before they become accepted as truth.
Recent reports illustrate why protecting freedom of expression remains important. Human Rights Watch's World Report 2026 documents continuing concerns over threats against journalists, activists, and human rights defenders in the Philippines. When individuals become afraid to speak, question authority, or expose wrongdoing, society loses one of its strongest defenses against injustice. Press freedom is not merely a constitutional right—it is a safeguard that helps prevent oppression from taking root.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution reinforces these principles. Article II, Section 11 recognizes the dignity of every human person, while Article III, Section 1 guarantees equal protection under the law. These provisions affirm that every Filipino deserves fairness, respect, and equal treatment. However, laws alone cannot eliminate oppression if discrimination continues to be practiced in everyday life.
Oppression affects far more than those directly targeted. It leaves individuals struggling with anxiety, fear, depression, and diminished self-worth. Families bear emotional and financial burdens, while communities become divided by mistrust and intolerance. A society that accepts oppression ultimately weakens its own democracy by allowing injustice to become ordinary.
Preventing oppression begins with ordinary choices. It begins when we challenge stereotypes instead of repeating them, verify information before sharing it, speak up when someone is treated unfairly, and recognize the humanity of people whose experiences differ from our own. These actions may seem small, but they create a culture where truth and accountability can flourish.
As Campus Press Freedom Week reminds us, protecting a free press is not only the responsibility of journalists. It is also the responsibility of every citizen who values truth over misinformation, courage over silence, and empathy over prejudice. Oppression may begin quietly, but so can resistance. Every verified fact, every voice raised against discrimination, and every effort to defend another person's dignity helps build a society where freedom endures—not only for journalists, but for everyone. | via Dion Avenio, The NORSUnian.
Graphics by Jollymile Magalso
