CR#3 From My Soul to Yours
According to Tatum’s definition, the dominant identities “set the parameters within which the subordinates operate.” They “[hold] the power and authority in society relative to the subordinates and [determine] how that power and authority may be acceptably used whereas subordinate identities are viewed as “defective” and is typically the minority in society (Tatum p. 3). The dominant group has a tendency to fail to recognize their dominance and therefore struggles to relate to or acknowledge the experiences of the subordinate group. On the other hand, the subordinate group is “well informed about the dominants” because they live in a society formed by them (Tatum p. 4).
In order to create a better relationship between the subordinate and the dominate, we must embrace both the dominate and subordinate sides within us all. We must embrace all of our identities, as Tatum says, in hopes of “[creating] the possibility of building alliances that may ultimately free us all” (Tatum p. 6). I believe that in this final statement Tatum is saying that by bridging the divide between the dominate and subordinate within us we will begin to bridge them outwardly as well. Because “other people are the mirror in which we see ourselves,” these gaping holes are formed by the way we treat one another and ultimately the way we end up viewing ourselves as a result (Tatum p. 1). Society has always treated minorities differently and we have always allowed our system to act this way. What Tatum is suggesting is that we change the system by changing the way we treat one another in hopes that we reach a mutual understanding of both the dominant and subordinate within us and within the society we live in. Additionally, Abraham Verghese touches on the experiences of the dominant and the subordinate as well. While volunteering as a physician for Katrina refugees in San Antonio, Verghese experienced the divide between the dominant and the subordinate through patient care. He expresses how the encounter between two Americans, between doctor and patient, had been carried to all the fullness that was permitted, and yet it was incomplete” (Verghese). It was incomplete in that, as a result of this experience, new barriers had been set into place, barriers that would never be touched let alone torn down. The barrier that Verghese speaks to is the same of that between the subordinate and the dominate that Tatum addresses. Based on his article, Verghese would agree that these barriers need to be broken down or at least acknowledged. He would argue that we must be willing to be wounded because it may be all we have to offer. (Verghese) By breaking down the barrier between the subordinate and the dominate we would be opening ourselves up to those around us and what they have to offer. We would be diversifying ourselves as well as acknowledging and embracing the diversity that lives in our society.
Through perspective taking the dominant-subordinate dynamic could be changed greatly. According to Jose Calderon, “we can better comprehend and appreciate each other’s differences in order to find our commonalities” when we choose to change our perspective about those who may not look like us or those who may have different beliefs. When we fall into the dominant we rarely take the time to see the world through the eyes of those with subordinate identities let alone make an effort to learn about them and their identities. Perspective taking and making an effort to appreciate and embrace the world of others has the potential to not only change the world around us but to change our souls. When we choose to perceive others as equals we choose to touch others and communicate with them in a bodily felt way. We choose to connect with others from one soul to another.
