CR4: Dynamics of Identity
In our effort to understand the power structures by which individual communities are surrounded, it’s critical to recognize the roles and effects of dominant and subordinate identities. Identity is a complex thing, for it is shaped both by an individual and a community. Some aspects of identity are outwardly recognizable making them difficult to escape while some are more easily overlooked. Most commonly, identity is defined on the basis of “race or ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, and physical or mental ability” (Tatum 11). Individuals with the dominant identity are often considered to be standard by society, are systematically advantaged by their membership. Tatum explains that the dominant groups set the parameters by which subordinate groups operate and, by assigning the subordinates with devalued roles, hold authority over them (11–12). While subordinates are well exposed to dominant identities, members of dominant groups tend to have little to no awareness of subordinate identities. These dynamics of identity can play out in extremely complicated ways, and to unravel these dynamics of power can be just as complex.
The key to changing dominant-subordinate power dynamics is to first understand how identity can be clouded and misinterpreted. It’s common for individuals to recognize one clear subordinate characteristic of their identity and hold it accountable for all their suffering. We must recognize that identity is multifaceted and we may belong to far more than one subordinate group while also belonging to numerous dominant groups. Recognizing our own privileges and disadvantages enables us to act critically. Through this process, or perspective taking, we can unveil our own identities and develop a greater picture of the identities that surround us. We may find that through growing our perspective we may identify with and empathize with those presenting different identities; oppression is a universally shared experience. Calderon enlightens the effect perspective taking had on the relationship between dominant and subordinate identities on a college campus stating, “By learning to respect each other’s perspectives and by pursuing specific outcomes that benefit both campus constituents and workers, students and workers have developed a genuine trust over the years” (Calderon 4). Perspective-taking, much like cultural competence, is a life long process but can help us become better citizens.
To further understand and address identity power dynamics, we must recognize what Kimberlé Crenshaw calls intersectionality. Crenshaw explains that, because identity is multifaceted, individuals with more than one identities — intersecting identities — often experience greater disempowerment. While doing a brief field study at battered women’s shelters, Krenshaw noticed that the physical assault that brought these woment into the shelter was “merely the most immediate manifestation of the subordination they experience,” for many of them were also poor or underemployed, suffering from racial discrimination (when trying to seek employment), and burdened by childcare costs (2). These subordinate identities compounded and making it extremely challenging for these women to leave their abusive partners. Robin DiAngelo also experienced the effects of intersectionality but in a very different way. DiAngelo grew up in poverty, often homeless and unable to maintain hygiene, but she was also white. For much of her life, DiAngelo failed to recognize the privilege her white identity gave her and only began to empower herself when she realized individuals of color suffered from even greater oppression than she did for her poverty. DiAngelo then used this discovery as a platform to work against combat internalized oppression and its companion. DiAngelo explains,“ The other task is to face the internalized dominance that results from being socialized in a racist society-the ways in which we consciously or unconsciously believe that we are more important, more valuable, more intelligent , and more deserving than people of color” (DiAngelo 141). Many individuals with intersectional identities, as DiAngelo experienced, may be able to benefit from realizing their advantages, but it’s important that they then use their power to bring awareness to oppression they escaped to avoid feeding the systems of oppression.
The community served by the Marin Chinese Culture Association exhibits intersectionality in several ways. I would estimate that at least 80% of the participants in the MCCA’s tai chi are of Asian descent, myself and my peers not included. The majority of members are over the age of 50 and are more physically limited because of their age. As these are both subordinate identity groups, the community’s intersectionality provides a greater challenge to the when attempting to preserve Chinese and Chinese-American culture. I believe a lot of awareness in the Bay Area is brought to Hispanic and Latino culture, as they are the most dominant minority and have the support of many young activists, but it seems to me that there isn’t as much support given to older individuals of Asian descent. My previous studies have led me to believe that the majority of MCCA members would be treated with much higher regard in countries where Asian culture is dominant.
While I haven’t completely uncover how the MCCA addresses its intersectionality, I have made a few observations. When leading tai chi, Fritz has chosen to modify some of the movements to make them easier for some of the members to perform, considering their physical limitations. In speaking with him, Fritz has also explained that many of the members participate as a way of being part of a greater community. After each tai chi practice, a group of the participants along with Fritz and his wife Elaine go to Perkins and catch up over a cup of coffee. The community fostered by the MCCA and it’s leaders extends past the offerings of the organization. It’s possible that without the MCCA these individuals, who share in intersectional subordinate identities, would not have formed the bonds they hold now.
