The irony of oppression
Oppression is a vice that must be strictly prohibited in any civilized society. Ironically, instead of condemning oppression, the author views why oppression is allowed in civilized societies. According to the author, the oppressor is powerful, and he controls vital resources, which makes him corrupt. Therefore, the oppressed fear power and influence because they think that they will become corrupt by default if they become powerful.
The irony of education
Instead of using education to empower students with the knowledge of developing their skills, it is used to make them subjects of the leaders. Satirically, students are used as blank bank accounts in which teachers invest. Later, politicians cash out all the investments done on these students' accounts. Therefore, education becomes useless when it only favors leaders and not the intended group of people.
The irony of the oppressed classes
The oppressed people in the world are many, but the oppressors are few individuals in power who control vast resources. The reader finds it satirical that the oppressed people have accepted their fate and assumed that they deserve to be oppressed. People need to join hands and demand justice and equal treatment. For instance, people need to organize uprisings and bring down the oppressive regimes to ensure that resources are equally distributed to all citizens.
The absurdity of liberation
The reader finds it sardonic that the oppressive leaders cannot liberate themselves from the greed for power and wealth. Ironically, the oppressors continue exploiting the poor every day, and they never get satisfied. For instance, they steal till they die! Therefore, it is illogical for the oppressive leaders to continue exploiting the poor because they never say they have stolen enough.
The irony of leadership
Leadership is a calling, and those in the position of power should serve their people with integrity and ensure equal distribution of resources. Ironically, the leaders discussed in 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed' use their power to oppress their subjects. For instance, leaders are corrupt, and they use their power to enrich themselves instead of serving people with integrity.
