CR #4: Layers of being a subordinate
According to Tatum, dominant groups have an advantage because they hold the power and authority in society compared to the subordinates (Tatum, pg. 11). Subordinates on the other hand are at a disadvantage because they are generally oppressed by the views that were placed by the dominant group. Commonly, dominant groups can be classified as White, heterosexual, or upper class while subordinate groups are more commonly characterized as people of color, low-income, or female. The subordinate group has to focus on survival (Tatum, pg. 12). Tatum quotes an author Richard Wright in which he describes “strategies he learned to use to avoid the violence of Whites who would brutalize a Black person who did not ‘stay in his place’” (Tatum, pg. 13). This shows the power dynamic in society and how prevalent the dominant and subordinate roles are in today’s world and throughout history.
Although Tatum’s article provides insight to the structural dynamics of our society, Calderon’s explains how this inequity can shift the dominant-subordinate dynamic. Perspective-taking allows individuals to “comprehend and appreciate each other’s differences in order to find [each other’s] commonalities” (Calderon, pg. 2). In order for perspective-taking to be effective in reversing prejudice, we must incorporate it through leadership, education, community, and democratic engagement. Instead of fighting each other, we must learn to work together in harmony despite each others differences. This is a lot easier said than done especially with the blinded leadership we have in currently.
Intersectionality is an overlap of characteristics such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status. For example, in the article written by Crenshaw, she looks at the intersectionality among women of color who have been battered and raped. Having an intersectional identity, being a woman and a person of color, “the interests and experiences of women of color are frequently marginalized within both” (Crenshaw, pg 1). Because these women are often marginalized, they have subordinate qualities which are their gender and their race. This puts them at a greater disadvantage compared to Caucasian women whom have been battered and raped. Crenshaw looks at intersectionality in two parts: structural intersectionality and political intersectionality. She noted that in her research on this topic, “women of color are less likely to have their cases pursued in the criminal justice system” (Crenshaw, pg 4). Instead, funding will be allocated to counseling services rather than pursuing their cases in court and seeking justice for the victims.
DiAngelo shares her experiences of intersectional identities as a White poor woman. Growing up, she was bullied and mistreated by her teachers, peers, and strangers because of her social class. Many people called her “dirty” and “stupid” because of her outward appearance and ways in which she behaved. However, she began to realize how much her race gave her an advantage in life despite the social class she grew up in. This was one way that she was able to empower herself. She believed that White people needed “people of color to cleans and realign us with the White culture that our poverty has separated us from” (DiAngelo, pg 141). As harsh as it sounds, being White gave her a “bump” in society.
The intersectional identities at the Ritter Center are being low-income/homeless and being mentally ill. While I was doing my research with the Whole Person Care program, a housing and medical program in Marin County, I learned that many of the landlords refused clients housing because they believed that they would “only cause trouble”. Stigma against homeless and mentally ill individuals has acted as a barrier for the most vulnerable individuals in Marin County to get housing and the proper treatment they need. Through the Whole Person Care program, case managers work with clients and act as voices and trusted messengers to get this community the resources and treatment they need. One identity that might shift from dominant to subordinate and vice versa might be age. I have never experienced or known of this shift first-hand, however, I do believe that those who are older (50 or 60 years), are more likely to get housing within the program because older age is seen as being more “vulnerable” meaning that they need the most help. Additionally, young pregnant mothers are also more likely to get housing first because they are also the most vulnerable.
