Communication Skills from an Anti-Oppressive Lens
Communication is often framed as a personal skill—something to be improved through confidence, clarity, and active listening. But at MLC, we recognize that communication is deeply shaped by power, privilege, identity, and lived experience. The ways we express ourselves (or struggle to) are influenced by cultural norms, systemic oppression, trauma, and survival strategies that have helped us navigate the world.
Many people are taught that “good” communication means being direct, unemotional, or neutral—but these norms often reflect white, Western, individualistic values that dismiss cultural, neurodivergent, and trauma-informed ways of communicating. Instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all model, we explore:
- Power & Identity in Communication – How do race, gender, class, ability, and other identities affect who gets heard, who gets dismissed, and how communication is received?
- Unlearning Harmful Messaging About Expression – Many of us, especially women, BIPOC, neurodivergent, and queer folks, have been conditioned to stay small, quiet, or overly accommodating in conversations. We work on reclaiming voice and agency.
- Beyond “Good” vs. “Bad” Communication – Instead of labeling communication styles as right or wrong, we explore why certain patterns exist and how to communicate in ways that feel authentic and effective.
- Navigating Conflict Without Shame – Understanding how cultural backgrounds, nervous system responses, and past experiences shape how we approach (or avoid) conflict.
- Building Confidence in Expressing Needs & Boundaries – Practicing ways to assert yourself without guilt, fear, or self-doubt.
Communication is not just about what we say—it’s about who has historically been allowed to speak, whose voices are silenced, and how we create space for meaningful dialogue. Our work is not about “fixing” communication styles—it’s about understanding and reshaping them in ways that honor your truth, identity, and relationships.
