Critical Reflection 3: Identity, Positionality, Vulnerability

What?

Tatum describes dominant groups as the ones who set the boundaries for subordinates. They are the ones who have control and influence society the most. They determine the haves and the have-nots in a sense. The ones who hold power have a say so in who moves up or down in the world, whose voice is valid and who hears those voices. Tatum makes a valid point in saying that those who are subordinate often get labeled as “less than” in society. The dominant group places these labels on the subordinate to set themselves a step higher and in turn end up degrading and devaluing the other. Using things like stereotypes shapes the way that most people think about these groups, making it difficult for them to rise above the label they’ve been given. Sometimes the subordinate group even internalizes and believes these things about themselves, leaving them to feel like they aren’t capable of anything more than the dominant group says they are or aren’t.

So What?

The relationship between subordinates and dominants would be changed indefinitely if they each approached one another with no expectations or assumptions. The ability and willingness to understand each other would eliminate the hierarchical standing that keeps subordinates down and dominants on top. They could find some common ground break down the stereotypes given to them. Verghese makes a metaphor of “strapping on armor” to protect himself from the refugees of the hurricane and by the end of his shift he ends up thinking back on that metaphor and realizing that there never was any “armor” to strap on. He also said that maybe the willingness to be wounded is all we have to offer. This last sentence was so powerful and true because it is possible to find some common ground when you put that imaginary armor down and come to others with an open mind. Its all part of the process of learning how not to “other” other people. When someone is labeled as the “other” it brings light to the differences between two people and lets it define their dynamic as people, much like with dominants and subordinates and the power imbalance between the two. After reading the article, its fair to say that Verghese would suggest letting your guard down when it comes to others and trying your best to get to know them for who they are.

Now What?

Perspective taking has been used to overcome challenges in many different aspects of life. As Calderon said, Perspective-taking cannot occur without addressing questions of power, and a huge power imbalance exists between dominant and subordinate people. Taking on other perspectives puts a person into the others shoes and helps them see things their way. Perspective-taking would be a way for each group to meet in the middle and learn from one another. In the Theater of the Oppressed class I take, we do a lot of perspective-taking by putting replaying oppressive situations and taking a deeper look into what the oppressor might be thinking or feeling in that situation and how we can handle future situations in a more empowering way. Perspective-taking has also been useful in my past service learning course where I got to interview people in the community. I had to understand where each of them came from to be a helpful part of their communities. When you take a new perspective on things, you also have a new found respect for the other person and people like them.