Gender is a complex and sensitive subject/topic and it must be handled with respect, empathy, and sincerity. In the text, “Introduction to Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies”, I really appreciated how they broke down and defined the identity terms. I’ve heard many of those terms being used interchangeably, and it is great to see that each term has a unique layer and depth to its definition.
The groups that I feel have influenced me the most is my ethnicity, family, and womanhood. I say my ethnicity plays a big factor in my development because as a child in Jamaica, there is this strong level of pride in my country. I use to think it was the largest country in the world until I came across a map. My ethnicity is linked with my culture and family, its in our food and the way we speak to each other. It is also how I have been perceived by others around me. In fact, before I came to the U.S., I’ve always and maybe only considered myself to be a Jamaican/girl. Ever since I have moved to the U.S., I have labeled and categorized as Black/girl/minority/marginalized/other. Either way, I have found great love and appreciation for these new identities, because they represent the years of strength, resilience, love, and purpose. It is possible that my pride in my ethnicity may rub them as a form of arrogance. It is also possible that my pride would confuse the dominant culture because they may not see or notice anything special about being a “minority”.
I chose family because I believe they have a major impact on my personal views. On the diagram, I used the term outlier. I chose that word because, throughout my childhood and young adult life, I have always challenged their “old fashioned” theories and beliefs. I wanted/needed valid explanations of why certain things had to be that way and why? It drove my parents and sisters crazy, but little by little they have realized that was a method to my “madness”. Another reason I chose my family is that they are great storytellers. It’s the way they would capture their audience using grand hand gestures, their tone, and pauses when necessary. It’s like you are at a cinema and your mind playing view as my mom or aunty narrates the scene. This has allowed me the capacity to take on other people’s stories as they take me along on their journey.
I chose womanhood because I Identify myself as a feminine woman and it makes me proud. I think of women like my Grandmother, my Mother, Maya Angelou, also Toni Morrison, and how honored they make me feel. These women remind me of the phoenix bird, in the way they’ve always risen from difficult times, especially as Black women.
In the diagram, I drew a tree because to me it is a symbol of growth, wisdom, and strength.
Hi Nyoka! I love your story and admire your process of identity. Turning this new identity that was given to you upon arriving to U.S into a sign of your strength, instead internalizing all prejudice, is powerful. I identify myself with this and work everyday to overcome these challenges.
Hi Nyoka, I fell more connected to your story as someone who has always challenged the “old fashioned” theories and beliefs. The fear of going against the majority is something that I overcome by thinking about the change I can bring by speaking out.