When the Oppressed Becomes the Oppressor

Throughout history, the struggle between the oppressed and the oppressor has shaped societies, revolutions, and cultural identities. We are often inspired by the stories of those who rise from subjugation and reclaim their dignity, rights, and power. However, a disturbing and often overlooked phenomenon emerges when those who once suffered under the weight of injustice begin to inflict the same on others. This transformation — when the oppressed becomes the oppressor — is not merely a reversal of roles; it is a cycle that, if left unchecked, can undermine the very ideals that fueled liberation in the first place.

Oppression is not just a condition; it is a system of power, control, and dehumanization. It is easy to assume that those who have suffered from it would naturally empathize with others and work to dismantle oppressive structures. However, history reveals that this is not always the case. When power shifts — whether through revolution, social movements, or institutional reform — the previously oppressed sometimes replicate the same patterns of exclusion, violence, and domination. They adopt the language, tools, and tactics of their former oppressors, justifying their actions as necessary for justice, survival, or revenge.

This cycle is often rooted in unresolved trauma. People who have been dehumanized may internalize the belief that dominance is the only way to avoid vulnerability. In reclaiming power, they may mistakenly believe that reversing the roles is equivalent to achieving justice. But justice is not achieved through vengeance; it is realized through equity, healing, and transformation.

Numerous examples from history illustrate this tragic dynamic. The French Revolution, for instance, began as a movement to overthrow aristocratic tyranny but descended into the Reign of Terror, where revolutionary leaders executed thousands, including fellow revolutionaries. Similarly, in some post-colonial African nations, leaders who once fought colonial oppression later established authoritarian regimes, suppressing dissent and enriching themselves at the expense of their people.

In modern contexts, this pattern can be seen in political ideologies or social movements that begin with noble aims but devolve into silencing or punishing those with differing views. The danger lies not only in structural power but in the moral complacency that arises when victims believe they are incapable of becoming perpetrators.

Power, as the saying goes, reveals character. When the oppressed gain power, they face a profound moral test: will they use it to uplift and liberate, or will they mirror the oppression they once endured? To break the cycle, individuals and communities must commit to self-reflection, humility, and a steadfast rejection of revenge-based ideologies.

True liberation is not simply a change in who holds power but a transformation in how power is understood and exercised. It involves building inclusive systems that protect the dignity of all — even those who once held oppressive power. It requires education, dialogue, accountability, and above all, compassion.