I ask myself the question “Who am I?” daily. Every time I ask myself that question I think I will get a different response but it turns out I do not. I will always see myself as a hispanic female. I will always be a minority here in this country. It blows me away that despite all these other attributes I am able to produce and give to others I choose the one that has a “form of oppression associated with it”(Adams, 2013). I learned that this is very common to only see the targeted identities we hold within ourselves rather than the many other identities we may carry. The targeted groups can be racial groups, religious groups, a sexual orientation, or even those with a physical or mental disability. In Stella Young’s video it is very clear to how her identity is perceived to everyone else. The world may see her as an inspiration or almost like an exception. However, she thinks of herself completely different. In her own eyes she is an everyday female who does everyday things such as those without a physical disability. In her own eyes she is not a hero or an inspiration. But once again her targeted identity is shown because she is someone with a disability. Dominant groups use this almost as a way to make themselves feel better or as motivation. The dominant groups also do this with many other targeted groups besides those with a physical disability. It is a way to help their own identity and self perception of themselves. But there is so much more than just the target identity we carry. For example, I am more than a hispanic female. I am intelligent, and loving. Maybe if others were to see that I would be perceived better in this world along with my own racial group. Once others start to get out of their social bubbles and reach out to others who may not look like them or even like the same things as them. That is when diversity happens and perceptions are broadened. Identities are so important as to how we see ourselves and our appearance that we make on others. If I only think of myself as a hispanic female why should anyone else think of me as anything more than that? We must value ourselves and our culture and where we come from and believe in. Just as the Cambodian villagers did and placed a great emphasis on where they lived as a part of who they are. If we are able to accept those who identify themselves as a part of a religious group, or sexual orientation then that is when it will become the norm in our own society rather than the exception. Once we start to recognize all the identities we can have that is when we can break social norms and social injustices. It all starts from within yourself and how you think of yourself. Your identity matters. All identities matter. That is what makes this world so great the variety of identities there are that can expand our knowledge.
Sources
Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castañeda, C., Hackman, H. W., Peters, M. L., & Zúñiga, X. (Eds.). (2013). Readings for diversity and social justice (3rd ed.). Routledge.
Sullivan, M. (2017, August 26). 'I Will Lose My Identity': Cambodian Villagers Face Displacement By Mekong Dam. Retrieved February 23, 2018, from https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2017/08/26/546036670/i-will-lose-my-identity-cambodian-villagers-face-displacement-by-mekong-dam
Young, S. (n.d.). I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much. Retrieved February 23, 2018, from https://www.ted.com/talks/stella_young_i_m_not_your_inspiration_thank_you_very_much
Thank you for sharing your experience Alyssa! I'll be honest, when I think about who I am, I never think to say I am a white male, so I guess Adams was correct when he said that those in the dominant group do not even realize to mention it because it is taken for granted. "In the absence of dissonance, this dimension of identity escapes conscious attention." I love how you argue that we must value ourselves and our culture, and that "it all starts from within yourself and how you think of yourself." As a Hispanic female, you are boldly accepting your identity are promoting it as an equal with all other groups. In addition, you have the passion to reach out to others that are different from you and value their identity. After reflecting about my status in a dominant group, I have a different responsibility from you. I admit that it is unfair that I do not have to go through the process of accepting my identity and promoting it because it is already accepted and viewed as the norm. So in my case, I could either proudly sit on a pedestal at the expense of the targeted people groups, or I can humble myself and get out of my social bubble experience life with those different from me. It is my hope that I purse the latter course so that I may be part of the solution of social justice and promote freedom and equality for all social groups.
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