Assignment 3 - Mahta Mahmoudieh

Power: The Defining Factor in the Life you Live – Part II
In the essay above by Jennifer Hill, the role of power in everyday life was analyzed through the eyes of a woman born into a middle class white family. The following essay is written by a woman born into an upper class Persian family in Iran, who immigrated to the United States at a young age, living as a middle class immigrant.
In American society the word “power” portrays money and social location. In this capitalist society whether if it is through economics and business classes in college or if it through a simple mathematic problem provided to an elementary school student, in every educational institutions of this country we are taught that everyone can buy power. Even at our young phases of adolescence we are told by our mentors, parents, and elders to pursue the American dream, which is to make as much money as possible. No one not an elementary school teacher, not our kindergarten guardian, not even our own parents ever dare say the obvious reality of this country, that all men are not created equal.

Having spent most of my life in Tehran, Iran, I consider myself to have lived an extremely sheltered life until my entrance into college. From birth until the age of 12, I lived in a uni-cultural, uni-race society. Being enrolled in a private school, I was not only just exposed to Persian classmates and teachers, but I was also only exposed to those born into families with very high income who could afford such expensive education. My father being a popular doctor is a busy part of the city also gave me privilege, for in Iran education, especially in the field of medicine is highly respected. Therefore I was never referred to by strangers and acquaintances by my own name (Mahta) but rather called “Dr. Mahmoudieh’s daughter.” Safe was true for my mom and brother. I never thought much to it at the time that it is strange why all the neighbors, or the local grocery store owner always referred to my “Dr. Mahmoudieh’s wife,” and never by her maiden name which she did not change when she married my father. But looking back now, I see clearly the mistreatment and oppression women face in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Women are not seen as significant figures in the work force, educational institutions, sports, and most importantly political structures. Though women have the right to vote in Iran, they are not wonder about the streets at nighttime by themselves for they will be stopped and questioned heavily by the police. Women have the right to vote in Iran, yet they legally cannot be granted a divorce without their husband’s consent. Examples of everyday sexism in Persian society are so numerous, that it would take books to mention them all.

Walking down the street with my mother, we were stopped by a policeman and fined for my not wearing a veil because I was 9 years old and that is the age in Islam women are expected to start covering their whole bodies. The policeman did not care what my family’s religion, views, and beliefs. He just cared that I was 9 years old without a veil. These experiences and many more were my family’s reasons for moving to the United States, to the land of the free.
It was here in Maryland when I was able to experience equality and freedom. Before moving to this country I did not know what racism, marked, or unmarked categories are. I did not know what being a minority was until I started attending public school in this country. The first few months seemed heavenly for I did not have to wear a heavy uniform to school, was not forced to pray three times a day while school, and was definitely not told by my teachers that my goal in life should be to find a good husband. I was able to study anything I wanted, given the choice of electives, the choice studying a second language other than Arabic. It was seemed to good to be true.

And it was. Having lived in this country for over 8 years my current views on equality have completely changed. Though in this 200 years old “utopia,” we are promised complete equality before law, such is not true. Although we are taught that power can be bought by any hardworking person regardless of their age, sex, race, and ethnicity, such is not true. In this country power is in only in the hands of the unmarked category, consisting of white men who are sole lawmakers. This unequal division of power is apparent in all major institutions that influence our daily lives. Such institutions include family, the educational system, the legal system, friends, and the workforce.

Coming from an extremely conservative history and culture, my family members participate in acts of discrimination towards one another everyday. For example my 24 year old brother who lives in the basement of our house is allowed to date who he wishes, bring girl friends to the house or to family parties, while even at age 20, I do not dare discuss my love life in front of my family members, for I am just assumed to have to love life until the day I marry. As unrealistic as it sounds, this issue of male superiority in my family is a huge stress in my life. I always feel the need to have to fight for my rights while I watch my brother do as he pleases.

Experiences of unjust treatment due to my sex are not limited to my conservative Persian family. I was one of two interns at a small law firm in downtown Rockville (Maryland) for two years. The other intern being male, I always noticed that more important tasks, especially ones that required interns to go out of the office were always given to the male intern. I felt as though I was expected to simply sit at a desk and look pretty. I also always noticed that women in the office are regularly interrupted while speaking to male employees, while men were almost never interrupted in the middle of speaking. Though I knew had I been living in Iran at the time, working in a law firm in Tehran, mistreatment of myself and other women in the office would have been ten times worse, I still could not justify the inequality implemented into office culture right here in the United States. The privileged male employees took up important cases and tasks while the women did all the busy work. This type oppression prevented women employees to move up the latter. Almost all partners at this firm were male lawyers, and the only female partner was always referred to by male employees as “the bitch.” This is was the male employees’ justification for her power and status. Though this woman brought in more profit into the firm than any other lawyer in the firm, rather than being respected and loved, she was secretly hated and lowly talked of by other partners.

Examples of sexism and oppression in our society are also present in the educational institution. Many articles have been written by women medical students expressing their frustrations with the unequal treatment of women students at these medical institutions. These women discuss how when 5 students and their attendee are examining a patient, only male students are called upon to do manual examinations while the female students are always expected to watch and learn. This is a clear example of marked and unmarked categories. Women are clearly marked as incapable by their attendees and therefore never called upon to do any hands on jobs. An example that represents the intersectionality of our society is that whenever a mother tells her child we are going to the doctor’s, the little kid says “Oh, I hope she is nice and gives me candy.” The significance of that statement is the usage of the word “she.” The ratio of male to female pediatrics is so uneven that almost by all members of society that it is assumed that the pediatric they are visiting is going to be a “she.” This is not an example of teaching of gender roles at young age in the institution of family but also an example of sexism in medical schools. Women doctors tend to pick pediatrics over surgical fields simply because they are not given the equal opportunity to pursue higher paying positions in medicine. Another observation I have made in my time at the University of Maryland is that when in a lecture hall lead by a male professor, hands are raised to answer a question of the lecturers, always and always the male lecturer picks the male candidate to answer the question rather than the female one. I have taken over 60 credits worth courses at the university and never have I witnessed in any of my classes, a male lecturer picking a female student over a male one. This example clearly portrays our society’s emphasis on male domination.
Out of all the institutions mentioned above, most frequently I have witnessed and experienced oppression in friends and friendships. Though I don’t show that I mind when my male friends make “durka” jokes referring to terrorists, muslims, and me, this new racial slur that is used commonly all around campus deeply bothers me. Whether if it is being at a social gathering or sitting at the dinner table with my friends, I often hear durka” jokes without consideration of my presence there. For example, at a social dinner thrown at our dormitory in which every person brought food from their own culture, there were a couple of Middle Eastern dishes present. The students went around tables and piled up their plates with variety of different types of food and sat down to eat. The table I was sitting at included an Indian-American female, a White-American male, a Chinese-American male, and an African-American female. The Chinese student and I had put on our plates a pile of Afghan cuisine that was very delicious. The Chinese student commented on his food saying it is extremely delicious and he would very much like to know which restaurant it is from. Since I also enjoyed the cuisine and had already asked the person who brought it where it was from, I answered the Chinese student’s question. Almost immediately after my sentence was over, the African-American female said in a joking manner “Ew! How could you like this “durka” food? It smells like shit. Please get it away from me! Go sit somewhere else.” Though no one laughed, yet no one not me and not the Indian-American student present at the table said anything to her. I think back on that experience and I think of why the student felt superior enough to say such an offensive statement and get away with it. And the only word that comes to mind is minority. It doesn’t matter that the student who made the statement was a minority herself, it just matters that in our society putting down those different is the norm. Immigrants who leave their home countries behind to pursue a life here all face the same treatment and are all forced to assimilate into the mainstream culture. As opposed to the past, we now have new racial terms such as “an oreo” or “a banana.” These are terms for minorities who no longer act, dress, or follow the norms of their homeland countries, but rather talk, act, and dress like the typical white American.

As a student at the University of Maryland, I have been exposed to many of different race, culture, and lifestyles. This experience has taught me much about the level of intersectionality present in American society and in its institutions. Having experienced life in the extremely unequal society of Iran, I highly appreciate what America stands for, yet believe there is plenty room for improvement.

Sweatshops

I found an article I thought you would enjoy:

"Sweatshop workers ask Terps to boycott Terp gear"

Hightlights from the article:

Manuel Pujols, who said he works grueling 12-hour shifts at a factory in the Dominican Republic, might have made the university T-shirt you are wearing right now.

Feminism Without Borders' efforts to convince the university to support the Designated Suppliers Program, which puts demands on clothing suppliers and factories to enforce humane working conditions, continued yesterday evening with a sweatshop workers panel featuring Pujols and another speaker.

The two factory workers informed about 100 people at the Art-Sociology building's main lecture hall about their harsh working conditions while making T-shirts that universities, including this one, brand with their logos and sell to students.

Pujols opened the panel by describing exhausting 12-hour shifts, which include two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute break. Pujols said employees get paid $200 every 32 days and frequently suffer injuries. But when workers try to complain about the conditions or organize, they are sometimes threatened, terrorized or fired, he said.

Pujols, along with his Hanes coworker Julio Castillo, is going on a seven-state tour speaking on college campuses. Pujols said he would like students to not only boycott the university apparel, but align with him in his efforts to change the conditions at the factory.

"We ask you to help in our struggle because you are the consumers of the products we produce," Pujols told the crowd through a translator.

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Freshman philosophy major and Feminism Without Borders member Josef Parker, while encouraging the Designated Suppliers Program's adoption, said informing more students about the sweatshop injustices is a more attainable short-term goal.

"We want to give people an idea of what work conditions are like in isolated places around the world," Parker said. "We want people to be a little more aware about their own clothes."

The group's mission affected panel attendant Matthew Wynter, a sophomore criminal justice and communication major.

"People place a high value on clothing. People take pride in Maryland gear," said Wynter, who insisted he will no longer purchase university apparel.

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I also found an interesting game that I would like you to try out: Sim Sweatshop. The goal is to make 3 sneakers a day. Sounds easy? Give it a try!

For your in-class assignment, post your reaction to both this Diamondback article and to your experiences as a "Third World" laborer. Tomorrow we will continue with the remaining "Analysis of Everyday Life" presentations, and we will hopefully have enough time to discuss issues of personal responsibility, activism, and art and ethics. See you soon!

Definitely forgot to post this yesterday...

Dan Kogut

The Analysis of Everyday Life

The third section of the WMST250 course introduced to the class many new topics of interest. The focus of this assignment is power, matrix of domination, marked and unmarked categories, and privilege and oppression. These topics are generally not a conscious thought in my every day life due to my social standing and my matrix of domination, which makes this assignment very important and eye opening. In this assignment, we are asked to analyze and discuss our matrix of domination and our own privilege and oppression. This will challenge our previous ideas of power and privilege and in turn, make us more aware of the struggles that many people face on a daily basis despite the fact that equality and rights are guaranteed to all people. In this assignment, I will use personal experiences, previous knowledge, and information learned from the class, to provide a deeper look into the aspects of my life that are directly and indirectly affected by the matrix of domination, and how these aspects could in turn affect someone else.

The matrix of domination and marked and unmarked categories are a set of categories that a person has. I, for example, am a 19-year-old, straight, temporarily able-bodied, Christian, middle class, white male from a suburb in Maryland. Every one of my categories would be considered unmarked by today’s standards, and thus allowing me to go through life with a fair amount of power and privilege and not much oppression to impede my success. The only aspect that may be considered marked in my matrix is the fact that I have long hair. I do not fit into the general category of what an average male looks like. In my town, all of the schools that I attended while growing up had a predominately-white student body. One example of having unmarked categories, though trivial in a larger scale, occurred in high school. Every morning there would be hoards of people entering the school after getting off the busses, and there was a “no hat” policy at my high school. Two days in a row, I noticed that a black student and I both arrived at the same time, but he was told to take his hat off by one of the (white male) assistant principals, while I was able to walk right by. I never gave this much thought back in high school mainly due to being half asleep and relatively naïve, but after more thought provoked by this class, it seems as though it may have been due to the unmarked assistant principal’s subconscious feeling of having more power than the marked black student. Another example from my youth is from when I applied for my first job. The manager that interviewed me was an older, crew cut white male that was very strict. I had long hair then and the first question he asked me was “What’s with the long hair, boy?” This came as a shock to me because I did not intend for my hair to cause this much of a reaction from anyone. This is a much less severe example of how it would be to have people question and belittle your marked traits on a daily basis. Another aspect from my (sort-of) daily life relating to the location of power and the oppressed/oppressors pertains to the KKK sect near my hometown. The instance is similar to bell hooks growing up looking over the railroad tracks to the white section of town and noticing the vast differences in lifestyle. When you head north on Route-1 and cross the Susquehanna River there is a shift in ideals of the population. The area I live in is an average town with the occasional ignorant person with perverted views on race and power, but across the river in Rising Sun, the number of people that hold these racist beliefs is so large that the entire area is associated with racism and the KKK. This scenario has the same structure as bell hooks looking from the oppressed side of the tracks into the powerful oppressor side, except for me; I am looking from the rational, accepting side of the river across to the old-fashioned, ignorant side. Living with all unmarked categories does not affect me negatively on a daily basis, so now I will try to examine how living with certain marked categories would affect me.

For example, if I were female, I would have been hired to a better position for my first job. This seems out of the ordinary but the grocery store at which I worked had an unwritten policy that newly hired males would be grocery baggers and newly hired females would be cashiers, making $2.50 more per hour. Unfortunately, this luxury would not continue throughout my working career. Women today make roughly 20-25% less than men do, doing the same jobs. If this is not the case, women will make less because they are hired for lower paying jobs when men receive the more complicated or technical jobs. Next, if I were born as a minority, being in the same position I am currently living would be very different and much harder. This would most likely mean that my parents would live in a different area because of their social class status. Living in a lower social class area generally leads to an inferior education and a harder path to success. I spoke with my aunt who teaches future teachers and she said that the best teachers would be hired at the best schools due to a higher starting salary. This leads to a vicious cycle where the schools that need the most teaching help and support are left hiring less talented teachers. The people burdened the most by this cycle are the students of these schools, and in most cases, the majority of these schools have a very high minority population. If I was born with marked categories, getting to this stage in life would have been much harder, and thus it shows that the achievements of minorities and women today should not go without extra merit. The world today, even in the United States, which preaches equality, is still not entirely equal. Assignments such as this help students think deeper and realize the inequalities that are present in daily life.

On our collaborative poster, we included an image stating “The Patriot Act: Turning Citizens into Suspects Since 2001” to relate to the idea of “the personal is political” from class. This will have a direct impact on me this summer while working on an army base. At any time, I can be searched without warning or reason simply on the basis that I may be involved with something illegal (very open-ended). I can be stopped while driving and my entire car searched as well. This is a prime example of how my personal life is political. I watched the movie Zeitgeist this past weekend and it discussed a few topics that were very interesting to me and related to the class. First, it mentioned how the country is founded on debt and that the average citizen perpetuates this cycle of debt with every dollar spent. The Federal Reserve produces legal tender money for the country, with interest, since the country does not have a sufficient gold supply to issue gold-standard currency anymore. This means that every dollar printed costs the country a percentage of interest. This leads to the income tax, which is taken out of every employee’s paycheck. The ability for the government to take a large percentage of every citizen’s wage to pay off an interest accrued due to an inferior central banking system shows how power, even at the highest level, can be used for unjust gains. This display of power affects every legally employed citizen of the United States.

Another aspect of this project asks us to analyze power and oppression in our everyday lives caused by things we would do in an ordinary week. In a typical week, I do not have too much literal interaction with any sources of controversial power or outright oppression, but some of the items that I use and own come from oppressed people. Every morning I drink coffee. Up until this past year, I would drink whatever was on sale or whatever smelled the best if nothing was cheap. Then I saw a small flyer for “Fair Trade” coffee and I read to see what this meant. The goal of fair trade products is to ensure fair wages to people harvesting the product, reduce global poverty, increase sustainability, and to ensure the farmers and other citizens involved in producing the goods live in socially and environmentally acceptable conditions. This means that the people picking the coffee beans are not treated like slaves and are paid wages that are generous enough to live comfortably. Since learning about the fair trade movement, I have made a point to purchase only fair trade coffee, even though it is slightly more expensive. Another part of my daily routine is my apparel. While most of my t-shirts and shorts are foreign made, I was surprised to find out that the shoes I wear were made in the USA. When I got this last pair of shoes, I noticed the tag mentioned U.S. manufacturing, so I researched it a bit and found out that New Balance makes a large portion of its shoes in the U.S., whereas most other shoe companies have shipped production overseas where long hours and cheap labor are very common. The benefit to buying American made products is that you can be sure that the employees working for the company are guaranteed rights and fair wages. Even though these aspects of my life may be trivial, if everyone bought American made products, and thought twice about buying the bargain coffee or tea, then cheap, suffering labor around the world could slowly be eliminated and replaced with a fair labor force.

The final items that I would like to discuss are from the poster. The Bob Dylan song “The Hurricane” and the Langston Hughes poem “Dream Deferred” are two prime examples of power and oppression. In the song, Dylan tells the true story of Rubin Carter, a black boxer who was falsely accused of a multiple homicide. This relates to power and oppression because the police investigating the crime, the jury, and the witnesses were all white and testified falsely. The police made a deal with two white burglars that were arrested the same night that if they would testify and state that Carter was the exact man they saw that night, that the charges against them for the burglary would be dropped. In addition, one of the white victims that was shot was in very critical condition and stated to the police that a positive identification could not be made since he did not get a good look at the criminals, but the police eventually persuaded him to testify against Carter. All of these false accusations, combined with the all-white jury eventually led to a life sentence in jail for Carter. Luckily, after many appeals Carter was released from jail nearly 15 years later, but not after many years of misery in jail and a power struggle between black and white. The poem by Langston Hughes is one that relates the struggle for minorities to achieve success and their dreams. It uses many comparisons to everyday images to describe the burden that minorities face every day. The images provoke a strong sense of sympathy in the reader and portray the oppression that minorities face every day. These two items, though written quite a few years ago, are still relevant in our culture today. The Two magazine covers pictured on the poster are very recent. The Golfweek cover depicts a noose with the words “caught in a noose” in response to a Golf Channel reporter saying that Tiger Woods should be lynched in a back alley. The other cover is from Vogue, and depicts Lebron James in a strikingly similar manner to the original King Kong movie poster. Even though racism is considered vulgar in today’s society compared to many years ago, events such as these still happen when people forget how offensive some items can be.

After delving deeper into the ideas of this project, it is more apparent that there are still some blind inequalities in today’s society. I hope that people will become more aware of what is really happening and eventually start to work towards change.

Intersectionality and Concepts of Power

Introduction:
As an agent of social change it would be beneficial to determine how I am categorized in the social arena. There are some basic classifications or labels placed upon me according to societal norms that collectively describe my intersectionality. These labels are as follows: I am an African American and Nigerian female, heterosexual, Christian, presumably middle-class, I speak English as a primary language, I am nineteen years old, American by birth, Temporarily able-bodied and I currently live in Columbia, Maryland.
The Matrix of Domination:
According to the matrix of domination through marked and unmarked categories privilege can be measured according to these classifications that I described earlier. Personally, I find it hard to determine where I fit in this matrix of domination. I possess some marked categorizations and some unmarked categorizations but even after looking at where I fit into the chart based on my identity I tend to disagree with what I assume is society’s classification of privilege and domination.
Power:
Power is such an ambiguous term it means so many different things to so many different people. Power could refer to something as basic as the ability to do something. Power could also refer to the ability to control others, a sense of dominion. It could refer to something inherent such as a sense of self-agency or authority over your own actions. The definitions are seemingly infinite.
There may not be one clear definition of what power means but one thing does seem to be clear and that is that power is valuable. There are few people that would not like to be powerful no matter how they may define the term. Personally I feel that power has its benefits and its consequences depending on how it is defined and used.
What Power Means To Me:
To me power is something inherent; a sense of agency. I believe that power is something that everyone can possess. I also believe that it is wrong for us to define power as something that only socially proclaimed elites could possess. By defining power as something inherent it gives everyone the ability to choose to classify him or her self as powerful by way of agency. This definition of power also allows for social change and in a society so wrought by capitalism this is necessary to maintain a balance. People need to feel like they have the opportunity to rise above their situations so that ultimately they do rise and prevent a monopolization of free enterprise.
How Do I Fit in to This Matrix (Family):
So, where do I fit into this definition of power and where do I fit in to society’s definition of power? According to the matrix of domination, which I equate with societal views of power and domination, I am not what you would consider entirely powerful in some ways I could also be considered as oppressed. I am an African American and as a culture in America we have been considered an oppressed group. What makes my situation a little different is the fact that along with ethnically being African American I am also part African. My mother is an African American born and raised in Indianapolis and my father is Nigerian born in Lagos, Nigeria. Often part of my ethnicity is ignored by society and that part is my Nigerian identity. Either I accept being African American or I accept being purely African is what society forces me to decide. People do not react well when I tell them that I am both, it is not a category represented in the matrix of domination therefore, it is ignored. Most Nigerians do not accept me as being so just as most African Americans do not accept me as a Nigerian either. I am often told, “ you were born in America so you are African American” or “You do not sound/ look Nigerian?” I am forced to deny a culture that belongs to my family and me in order to fit into a society’s category of what someone like me should be otherwise it challenges societal divisions, which I believe it should. My situation is a perfect example of where this matrix of domination through marked and unmarked categories fails.
How Do I fit Into This Matrix (Individual):
Along with being in the marked category of an African American I am also a female. As a female my gender has also been oppressed and considered powerless. Currently I have suffered few prejudices being a women depending on what you consider a prejudice. As a woman I am sometimes portrayed as a sexualized, inferior gender in the media. Once again I do not share any of these traits. I never feel inferior to the opposite gender based on my own nor do I feel the need to maintain some overly sexualized persona to succeed in society. I could easily feel burdened by these stereotypes of inferiority based on my identity but I feel powerful because of the way that I define power and in a way it has made me more powerful in a larger societal scope along with my own perception of power.
Power As An Underdog:
I almost feel a duty to do well and become all that I can be, which I consider powerful, because of my mother and my father. My father was an immigrant into the United States he came from very humble (to say the least) beginnings in America and it was his internal strengths that allowed him to rise to the place that he has risen to in society. I believe that if he had ever doubted his power or his ability to make something of himself he may not have done as well as he has done today. Today my father has owned more than five businesses, he has received his CPA (a license that only 5% of people who apply for it achieve), raised two daughters who went to good schools and do well, a feat that most Americans would say a man in his “marked” position could not make. My mother was a poor girl from Indianapolis, Indiana raised in a house with sixteen children by two high-school graduates, not only did my mother graduate from college and receive her master’s degree but each and everyone of her siblings received a college degree or higher also a feat society would say a person in her/ her parent’s “marked” position could not accomplish. I feel a need to do well after witnessing how little resources/ privileges they had and seeing how far they made it in their lives. I feel powerful because of them and countless others deemed powerless by society.
An Unfair Advantage:
Though, I feel empowered despite my “marked” position in society I have also struggled with it at times and it did take me a while to grow the kind of security and empowerment that I feel now. Truly, it is unfair that some people obtain certain privileges based on no other factors than their identity. I am not white, nor am I a man and sometimes I have felt at a disadvantage because of these things. For one thing if I ever want to go to the best schools, or the nicest restaurants, or live in the nicest neighborhoods white people usually dominate them.
For example, I grew up in a small town in Houston, Texas and when my family started to make money we moved to a nicer neighborhood with huge houses in a gated community and my parents put me in a better school that ranked highly. Immediately I realized that not only did the socio-economic group change but so did the cultural group. I was the only black girl in my grade and one of three black kids in the entire grade, probably the school (besides my younger sister). We stood out and I cannot emphasize how much that meant to me back then. Middle school is hard enough if you where the wrong style of dress for the season let alone if you according to society’s standards culturally do not belong. I was an outcast and my best friends were social outcast as well but not for the same reasons as me. Either they were homosexual, gothic, or just socially awkward, identities that I felt that they could choose to mask if they wanted to fit in but they never did and I guess I admired them for it as I admire most people who choose to be who they are despite social standards. I would like to think that this was a learning experience and I could feel empowered by what I learned about people rather than inferior by social injustices.
Unmarked Classification:
Some unmarked categorizations that I possess that deem me privileged according to societal views are that I: am heterosexual, am of the middle-class, am temporarily able-bodied, speak English, am Christian, am a citizen and I am a young adult. Unfortunately, these traits do provide me with some privileges in this society that others who do not possess these traits may not have. People should not be unfairly or unjustly treated because they do not fit some societal systematic structure constructed to oppress some while benefiting others.
I do have some security in knowing that as I function within society most structures are made so that I may use them this is sometimes not so for the physically or mentally disabled. I know that if I ever want to apply for a job I have no physical or mental barriers that will prevent me from obtaining said job (unless I am discriminated against as a woman). I also have the comfort of knowing that when people say the pledge of allegiance the reciting of the word God does not offend me as a Christian though I know it offends many others. As a native English speaker I do not have to endure situations of ignorance and intolerance when it comes to my accent or language in America. As a heterosexual I do not have to worry about issues of violence or discrimination based on my sexual orientation or sexual identity. Transgender people sometime suffer a crisis when it comes to having a structural restroom provided for them because of my gender and sexuality I do not have this issue. Being of a young age I am not continuously targeted by the media for anti-aging products nor do I have to worry about ageism in the corporate world. Being of middle class I do not have to worry about how I will fit into a society overly concerned with consumerism and affluence nor do I have to worry about I how I will eat, survive, clothe myself, take care of my family, or be safe (at least not to the extreme).
I understand that I fit many of society’s marked categories and because of this I receive many un-fair advantages in society based on some superficial, unsubstantial, classifications that do not make me worthy of any more privilege than others that do not share these traits. People should not be oppressed because of their identity just as no one should receive more privilege than another based solely on their identity and whether its marked or unmarked.
Knowledge is Power Knowledge is Privilege:
There are several instances in which I find distinctions of power in my everyday life especially, in college. There are so many programs aimed to divide students based on there academics and what is so unfair is that several students will never be given the chance to even hear about these programs based on certain privileges such as; connections, cronyism, nepotism, wealth and just the means in which to obtain said information (i.e. transportation, computers, cell phones, housing). People who participate in more extracurricular activities and programs are given the opportunity to strengthen their resumes while students who have to work to stay in college do not have the same amount of time to participate in these activities. This is keeping the powerful more powerful and the oppressed more oppressed. Oppressed people have to work twice as hard to get half as far in society and on this campus because of certain privileges denied to them.
On campus you also notice that most of the older people who maintain some of the working class jobs on campus are minorities. This is one of the more apparent divisions of power in our society and on our campus because people are denied power based solely on the color of their skin. Things are changing to become more equal but the injustices and inequities of the past are still very much apparent and present today.
Images of power and privilege can also be found when it comes to On-Campus organizations such as Fraternities and Sororities and Sports Teams. The culturally “Black”/“Latino” Fraternities and Sororities do not have Houses or satellite houses like many of the panhellenic or “white” Fraternities and Sororities have. Basketball players and Football players are treated with more respect and offered more privilege than many of the other students and sports teams on campus. Even when it comes to student parties and socials we are divided black parties are required to have increased security (i.e. metal detectors, increased police presence, bag checks, pat downs) while other campus party’s are not required to have increased security policies.
Conclusion:
These inequities are not foreign to our campus just as societal issues in general are not foreign to our campus. I believe that the worst thing that we can do is show an indifference to these issues of social inequity and social problems in general of our society. Once given the information of the problems our society faces it is our duty to correct them because historically someone has always done the same for us. If any of us is not justly treated then we run the risk that we each may one day be unjustly/ unfairly treated. Though I am privileged in many ways and in some ways I am not neither fact lets me off the hook I still have duty, a responsibility to question and fight the unfair social constructs that offer unfair privileges to some while denying them to others.

Power Located in My Everyday Life

Power refers to the control that one person or group has over another and can be used to influence the choices of the other person or group. But for the most part, one’s power is usually used in a negative way as a way to oppress another person or group. Those in power are described to be the ones that are the dominant, which are generally the few while the ones who hold little or no power are considered to be the rest of the population. The amount of power that a person has in society is based on their race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, language, religion, nationality, and age. Where one places in each of these categories can either help them gain power as being the elites or can hurt them leaving them scarred in society until these “norms” change. The powers of my race, gender, class, and religion have given me the most social location and affect me through my life either in a positive way or for the most part a negative way.
These categories of what is considered to be “normal” is determined by the society and who they feel should hold the most power, which may or may not change in the future. Due to the fact that being in a certain category may be considered to be normal, there is always one group that is not be represented and therefore are left out. It does not mean that if you do not fit into these categories that you are inferior but it has a way of making people feel that way. This creates a problem in society because that is when people start to think that it is better to be a white man instead of a black man. Systems of oppression are used to justify making something right at the expense of the group with less power. One way to show how issues of oppression and privilege are interconnected in society to represent how much power someone will have based on their race, gender, etc. is called matrix of domination. The two categories to demonstrate the matrix of domination of how power is located within our everyday lives is called marked and unmarked categories. People who fall into the marked categories are those who are powerless and suffer from oppression. These people are considered to be a women, people of color, non-Christian, homosexual or transgendered, working class, disabled, children or the elderly, immigrant or illegal’s, and those who speak non-standard English. These people are considered to be minorities because they have no influence on society. Those who fall into the unmarked category are those who dominate the society are considered to be privileged and are more likely to come up with the rules as ways to control the powerless. These people tend to be white, male, Protestant Christian, heterosexual, middle class, young adult, United States citizen, and speak standard English. They are unmarked because it is already understood who they are even if they are not mentioned because they fit into these set profiles. At some point, most people fall into the category of marked because they might not be either a Protestant Christian or may be a homosexual. Being unmarked puts people in a category, which makes them feel left out of society and makes it hard for them or their group to gain power or change the rules without having to fight for it. Due to the fact that those unmarked hold no power, they try to overturn those who have power by creating all types of movements to get their voices heard, as with the feminist and civil rights movements. If people do not do this, they will always remain at the bottom and will accept their place in society. For example, if women did not have all of these feminist movement, they would continue to be considered more lower in standard to men than what they first started because although women have not fully gained the same rights as men or treatment in the workforce, such as getting paid less than their male counterparts for doing the same amount of work, they have come along way from not being able to vote. Looking at the matrix of domination, I find myself fitting into more of the unmarked category and fall into the category of the oppressed and powerless. I am an Eritrean (African-American), heterosexual female, the child of immigrant parents but was born in the United States. The norm would have to be being a Protestant Christian but I am an Eastern Orthodox Christian. I don’t feel that there is much difference compared to other religions such as Judaism. My family, being immigrants from Eritrea are part of the working class who have to work regular 9-5 jobs. My father is a taxi cab driver while my mother is a street vendor and they both work in Washington DC. For those who are in the lower class, it is very hard for them to rise up and be able to change their lives especially when they come from other countries. Even though I may privileged in being temporarily able-bodied, a young adult, a US citizen and speak standard English, it still puts me at a disadvantage because other systems of power have a greater influence on the amount of power that I have. I feel that I am more oppressed because all of the odds including education are the other way and for me to succeed I need to be able to fight against these odds.
I think one way that I have fought oppression is by going to college and trying to change the way that people see African American as being dumb and lazy. This way if you start small, you would be able to change the norm and all of the oppression that is experienced in this society. But I think that being grateful for being given the privilege to go to college to better the life of myself allows me to give something to my parents that they gave me and much more. So that although they were not able to get good jobs, they gave me the opportunity and the resources to become successful. Especially in poor neighborhoods, where the educational system failed in trying to help the students it is up to the individual student to better themselves. I think that with my motivation to live a better life this will hopefully change the systems of power where the only people that have the highest power are white males. This has a lot to do with oppression and how those from the bottom have to find extra ways to change the current people in power such as going to college in order to get their message across. That is where the role of empowerment came into place where those who are empowered find ways to make a change do so while those who are not empowered wait for others to make the changes for them. I think that my gender has had both its privileges and its oppressions on me. Being a woman, you may get more advantages in people treating you more easy than they would for a man especially in workload. But this can also has its side effects in which someone may not trust to give you a bigger job to handle on your own because they may think that you are weak, making it harder for people to rise in their position in life. This may contribute to the reason why many women are not in higher power but are slowly starting to climb the ladder to a higher position. I think that there is a stereotype that women are better at following directions and being told what to do rather than leading a group of people. For women to be able to not be oppressed, they have to be able to make their own decisions with their body including with the choice of whether or not they want to get an abortion. For example, in Eritrea it is very common for women to get genital mutilation and I remember of a young girl who had to get this painful procedure. The sad part is that it was not even her decision on whether she wanted to get this done, it is like they make the decision for her. The rights for the people are limited and so with that the women would have not that many rights as men.
In Eritrea, the women have the stereotypical jobs as being house wives and taking care of the kids. My mother did not even finish middle school because a lot of the times it is not put upon them that they have to finish school like men. So much is put on the female to have to take care of the family that what they want in their life outside of the family is put aside. It is interesting to see to that a lot of them are happy with their role because they have no desire or motivation to work outside of the home. A lot of women feel that if there role is to do housework and if they do not, they are afraid that they will be looked down upon, so they act as if they are happy. My aunt would sometimes remind me that girls my age have a family and do housework.
Another example, is when my female cousin wanted to be an engineer because she loved to fix things using her hands, she felt put down when people would say that she should consider another career such as being a nurse. She felt that people assumed that because she was a female that all she could was certain jobs and if she did not she would be accepted by people. She eventually changed her major to business because she found that the job market for engineering was low and it was hard to find a job. I think that this involves women setting their standards low for men. It is considered for men to be the provider for the women and so if a women is put into a higher position men feel insecure. In my English class, I read an essay called Straightening Our Hair by bell hooks and she talks about how black women straighten their hair in order to look more attractive in the eyes of black men. This relates with the positions of women, in which they feel that they have to lower their standards so that men will accept them, especially if the man is not as successful as her. As women, we should put ourselves first, instead as it was in the past where we put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own. Another category that determines how much power that one will have is by the class they fall into, being working, middle, or lower class. Everyone does not have the same starting point due to either race or gender or any other environmental factors. So a black person would have to work much harder than a white man because they are considered to be generally to be generally in the lower class and even if they are in the middle class they are still not treated equally as a middle class, white male. I have lived in Langley Park, Maryland for all of my life where this place is an immigrant place where the majority of the people are Hispanics and there are a few black that live there too. At one point, there were mostly white people living in Langley Park but they moved due to the increase in the number of minorities moving in the neighborhood. For example, with me I think that growing up in the lower class, it made it harder for me to do well because everyone around me is not doing well and so it was harder to keep the motivation to go to college.
In my high school, there were many pregnant girls, people would come to school either drunk or alcoholic, and gang-based fights. There was just a lot of negativity around me making it harder for me to succeed. But I think that I am privileged in being able to make a change in my life by trying to shift the power to those who usually do not have the power. One does not have to start a movement in order to make a change but by taking little steps such as attending college will help make small changes. The only way that I feel I am able to get out of the lower class is by going to college in order to make a change for myself and my family. I think that the only time that being lower class may help someone is when they want to go to college. Being in lower class has helped for me to get some assistance in going to college. Especially when one’s parents are immigrants, they have to just take the menial jobs that no one else wants and have to do it in order to survive for them and their family. I don’t think that there are any real privileges to being lower class because you don’t make any decisions because people make decisions for you. Being in the lower class, the schools that I went to were not very good because they did not encourage everyone in the school to go to college but only the small amount of people that they feel have a chance to get accepted. . The school only expects people to graduate from high school and just find a regular 9-5 jobs. Those who have power feel that they do not want to spend their money on the lower class because they feel that they will not be successful or go to college. This has a great deal with the matrix domination because if people are not given the same opportunity as another group they will not be able to change the way that the power is located. By not being given the same opportunities as the middle class, the lower class’s system of power is located at a place where if they do not make any changes will always remain at the bottom. Being a minority, people do not expect much from you whether you are black or any other nationality. Sometimes when I tell people that I am going to college they feel so happy and surprised because they feel that I would be living the life that my parents never had. Being African American, there is a low expectation for me because no one expects you to do with anything in your life. The only time my race has helped me was going to college because usually colleges such as the University of Maryland want to be diverse so they will open a small sections for minorities in order to give them the opportunity to get a good education. But I feel a lot of times that businesses will just add a minority in order to fill the status quo based on their race rather than on the skills that they have, which can sometimes have a positive effect if the person is able to move into a higher position of that job. This hurts others because if two people are both qualified, they are most likely to take the minority in some cases.
Even though the creation of affirmative action may be considered to be a privilege, sometimes it seems as if minorities need this help because usually the schools that they go to did not teach them enough or they lived in a negative environment with high levels of crime. With minorities, it seems as if those in higher power try to justify the reason that minorities are not in power is due to the fact they are not strong enough instead of attributing these factors to the systems failure. Race is probably the biggest category of the unmarked and marked category because when people first meet you that is what that they see. Race is something that cannot be changed because that is the first thing that people first notice when they meet you while ones sexuality can in some cases be hid, so that no one would be able to tell whether you are a homosexual or a heterosexual. For those who fall into most of the important unmarked categories, they have the most power whether they choose to use it. For example, for a white person it is easier for them to get by and be able to get into higher positions rather than a black person who has to try harder to get even the same kind of respect. I think that Americans privileges makes immigrants such as my parents oppressed because they are able to get the good jobs while they are able to leave the hard physical work for the foreigners to do. It was interesting because in bell hooks Feminism is For Everybody ,she states, “All white women in this nation know that whiteness is a privileged category.” ( 55 ) hooks tries to show that there is a difference between white females and black females because they have different things that they have to fight for in order for a change to be made. I think that even with feminism this term is more associated with white women rather than black women because not only do black women have to fight for women’s rights but they have to fight for African-American rights. In my African American Studies class, I learned that black women considered themselves to be womanists rather than a feminist because not only do they have to try to fight gender oppression but they also have to fight racial inequalities that were occurring at that time.
Another category that I think is important especially in the United States has to deal with religion especially after the incident that occurred on September 11, 2001. There are so many different groups within Christianity but they are all for the most part have similar beliefs. I think that I am privileged to be a Christian because other groups such as Muslims are not treated fairly. People do tend to treat Muslim differently because I know that with my father, he tends to looks Muslim he feels that he does not get treated equally, especially in high security places. They think that he may be a terrorist and may look or check him differently that they would not normally do for other people. My father tends to not consider himself black and so he feels that he is not well represented when he fills out forms.
Sexuality has become a big issue especially involving the issue of gay marriages. I think that with sexuality it can be changed or at least be hid while ones race is with them forever. This interconnects with religion because in a lot of religions including Christianity, they are against any form of homosexuality. It must be hard for people such as bell hooks because not only is she a black women but she also is a lesbian putting her into most of the unmarked categories. Even though I may be going to school and trying to better myself, I could still be looked as the black girl from a poor place. When people look at you they do not see what is in your mind but rather they see your race, gender, etc. Intersectionality is based on how everything such as race and gender are not independent of each other but instead they are interrelated to created these forms of privileges and oppression. This means that even though you may have one form of privilege on the other hand you may have to deal with forms of oppression. This helps to create inequalities in different categories including race, sexuality, and gender. This deals with intersectionality where you may be doing good things but have other problems going on outside of that.
I think that being informed about the matrix of domination will help people to overcome oppression. I never realized how much race, gender, and other categories influence our social location in our society. I hope that with this information, it will allow the way that power is currently located in our society so that no one will be categorized based on their race or gender. Power should be spread out so that every group of people will be given the opportunity to rise. People in the marked categories should be able to change their lives so that they will no longer being considered to be marked. Having these categories puts different groups that are not even connected in one group making it so that each individual loses its identity.

Power: The Defining Factor in the Life you Live

Everyday in life we are relentlessly judged not just by the color of our skin, but age, ethnicity, geographical location, and gender. America has evolved into a society that believes certain characteristics are superior than others, and deems those exhibiting inferior characteristics as lesser in power, often resulting in oppression. A country which claims its motto as “the land of the free” has turned civilization against one another while simultaneously creating a society judgmental of every aspect of life. Groups we associate with influence our decisions, lifestyle patterns, and help to identify us through social location; your position in society as opposed to others depending on your beliefs and values, along with categories you have a connection to. Social location can change over time as people mature and follow their path within life, setting goals to achieve, and becoming part of more and more groups as community involvement increases. Directly correlated is the idea of marked and unmarked categories that America has become heavily dependent on when classifying citizens; the notion of intrinsic and extrinsic differences that make us unique.
“Going against the grain” or qualities that differ from the accepted norm are characteristic of a marked category. Some may classify individuals within this subgroup as having an abnormal trait(s), seeing that it often relates to only a specific element within a broader range. Unfortunately, these traits are powerless and often titled as the
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minority within society. One example of a marked category is women who are seen as the inferior gender and not being accepted throughout society as holding the same equivalent power given to men. Feminist movements are trying to change the oppression faced by women as they advocate for equality of gender within all aspects of society. Whether it be political, social, in the job place, or even matters dealing with rape and abuse, women are not given the respect they deserve. If feminist movements are successful in the future women would no longer be seen as the minority or oppressed gender, but see males and females both as members of an unmarked category.
Citizens of society strive to be accepted and appear to others as normal in every aspect of their individuality, constantly changing beliefs and morals. Unmarked categories are most evident throughout society as it relates to the majority, and along with superior characteristics society holds as the utmost important. This category appears to be generic in the traits it includes, unlike marked categories being very discriminative and clearly defined to an exact element. In opposition to marked categories, unmarked is seen as dominant and those within are powerful, as well as privileged. When reading the newspaper or watching the news, rarely do members of the unmarked categories appear in the criminal reports, but instead are seen as the successful leaders of our country. Americans have provided themselves with this stereotype by being discriminative and the only way to change the outlook is to change the influential power of many institutions/systems.
Systems of power, institutions, and organizations often have an influence on our perceptions of marked and unmarked categories, along with the accepted norm. Often
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citizens do not make their own judgments and instead they are influenced by society collectively. The same is true in my case; as a young adult I often followed society believing what I was told and the examples set. Due to my participation in women’s studies I have been able to come to my own conclusions about how power is introduced into my life.
Legal systems are credited for protecting citizens and keeping communities safe; however, many do not see the issues of discrimination. I have seen many friends become stereotyped as troublemakers due to the geographical location they inhabit or simply the color of their skin. Personally, my belief is all citizens should be given an equal chance where law enforcement does not target a certain area, but looks out for the betterment of the entire community. As a young girl growing up, I consistently watched the television show C.O.P.S. where I was exposed to many issues dealing with those who are members of marked categories. It is as a result of watching this show that I started forming my opinions of people who belong to different groups, and from this, figuring whom I would most like to be associated with. Growing up in my community it continued to be reinforced that the same people and areas were targeted. When traveling through the town of Westminster on Main Street you are guaranteed to see at least two cops, but why do they choose to sit there instead of driving around protecting citizens? As role models in the community, law enforcement officials are the first citizens that need to start putting an end to letting society make negative life-changing decisions for others. Examples of power within the system also become evident when sitting in the courtroom. It has been my experience to see those who differ from the accepted norm in religion, race, and
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ethnicity be given harsher punishment for crimes committed. Equality is a guiding principle of America, one that needs reestablishing immediately for citizens to feel welcome and also to correct the problem before it becomes too large.
Media production portrays prominent issues within society in regards to news coverage, movies, television, and even extends as far as to include video games. It is often the media who we believe to tell us the whole truth and take their opinions when in fact it is just that, someone’s opinion being broadcasted to all of America. Issues apparent in society have become heavily debated and cause more discussion over rights guaranteed to the citizens than I can remember as a young girl growing up. Gay and lesbian marriages can be seen on the news daily, as many believe this is not morally correct and should be illegal. My opinions were formed about this issue before continuously seeing it every night, although my stance has become heavily reinforced through learning that many other citizens are in agreement. Fitting into the marked category, those who marry or even love the same sex are looked down upon as creatures that are not human. Discriminating against those individuals who feel that their life would be happiest with the partner they choose is ridiculous. The idea of gay and lesbian individuals has gone so far as to make movies that show partners naked while making love. It is only fair that homosexuals and heterosexuals have equality within the entertainment industry, as there is a point where it becomes insensible.
Marriage is a lifetime commitment making it imperative to find the partner who creates excitement and treats you better than ever ensuring your every need is met and

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your concerns heard. With the divorce rate increasing, Americans are not doing as well of a job at this than before, but some seem to believe that the media is playing a role in the
dissatisfaction of marriages nowadays in society. An increasing trend has become prevalent in the idea of interracial marriages, mostly between whites and blacks. Society has strongly voiced their opinions as they are often broadcasted within the media but also when out in public. Having a strong opinion myself, sometimes I think society loses the focus of marriage and the happiness it creates. While there are moral issues and often societal issues with interracial marriages, the mass media needs to take a neutral stance and allow Americans to live life without being judged for wanting to be happy. We live in a changing world and while changes are often scary and unwanted, most turn out to improve the quality of life. The influential power of the media is tremendous and likely the most important contributor to defining marked and unmarked categories along with the criteria of each.
Political leaders serve as role models for Americans influencing youth and adults through actions and also language. The impact of political figures is second only to the impact that parents make in their own child’s life. Government officials and policies have a tremendous amount of power on our lives as they determine laws, rights guaranteed to citizens, and also punishment. Constituent interests are taken into account and are the ones whom are most affected, although, can we always assume that government officials are thinking of the long-term consequences of their actions? Politics and elected officials have begun to do poorly to represent all categories of people, especially those whom have ties to marked categories. It feels as though they select only the prosperous white ideal
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American family and forget all others who inhabit within their districts. Instances of this are located right here in College Park where often the minority groups are not included in
discussions affecting all students. Also, the same holds true when you work your way out to the county and city boards where populations become more diverse, through not only race and ethnicity, but also with economic status. When making decisions, there are a lot of extraneous factors that need to be taken into account and, as of today, political leaders have not yet found a way to eliminate those factors and loopholes. While there is much criticism for the government and many are unhappy, strides are being taken as is evident with Barack Obama, in that for the first time we have someone of another ethnicity than white American,and simultaneously there is a woman running in the same election. Records have been broken as a result of the candidates in the 2008 presidential election, but I feel confident that the government is beginning to move in the right direction and take the last step towards final change.
Employment is a factor of life, even though most citizens would be in agreement that they hate their job and are not working in the area of their passion. This area of life holds tremendous power as it is the place where we spend the most time, even before time spent at home with family. Often factors are discussed at work with others, friends made, and role models found to emulate. As we, as a society, struggle through the idea of marked and unmarked categories, we see many issues originate at this level. Anywhere throughout town you are guaranteed to drive past Mexican workers on the side of the road performing any job imaginable! A common stereotype has originated as a result; we often call small menial jobs that we citizens do not want to perform as “Mexican work”.
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Is this because they are only capable of small tasks or that Americans do not want to face that other individuals are capable of holding jobs that are comparable? I believe
that all should be given the chance to work, as no matter the job, valuable skills and lessons are learned. Whether we, as a society, decide to accept the fact that others are coming here to work is a personal problem in which many have to deal with but those whom understand the complexity of the problems being created need to step up and take action. Standards we uphold for certain jobs need to be reevaluated to ensure that they are not promoting discrimination and that all who apply for a job are given equal treatment. This means they are not placed within the business hierarchy as a result of skin color, ethnicity, or language spoken. Employment has become a major part of every citizen’s life and we as a country need to ensure that we all benefit from this opportunity and make the best situation better here in America.
Intersectionality is like an onion, each layer representing an identity from the collection we contain as individuals stacked tightly upon one another. Citizens often have a specific social situation to use a specific identity, although all are included in our personality making up the individual we tend to call ourselves. Identities can be derived from a variety of sources, though most often are a result of social relations, history, personal and societal, and power structures which have been an influence on our life. At times we aim to reveal these multiple identities to symbolize our ties to more than one community group; due to our belonging to groups differing across a wide spectrum, ultimately each person within society faces oppression and privilege. Using the concept of intersectionality, individuals can become aware of the challenges and obstacles they
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face as being a member of certain groups in society. Often, oppression outweighs privilege but it is the difference it makes within your life that is the most important. If
women nowadays only focused on the oppression they face daily, the world would be depressing; instead they choose to focus on the great lengths, as a gender, they have been able to gain and aspirations they have for the future. Oppression here is not a negative term but one in which citizens can change throughout involvement in the community making society realize every individual is unique, meaning they should not be discriminated against, but cherished for the enhancement they bring to America and society as a whole.
As a student at the University of Maryland, College Park, I have become aware of how judgmental society can be and the discrimination or oppression individuals face. I often feel some friends do not approve of others simply on the basis of skin color or religion, making it hard to hangout, as you are consciously aware of problems that may arise. College has proven to be a unique experience having had the opportunity to connect with people I would otherwise not have met. The intersectionality of my friends is amazing, the layers of their life and multiple identities they associate with have truly made me reflect upon how I chose friends in high school; on the basis of being accepted by others. Until sitting in women’s studies I was unaware of marked and unmarked categories and the discrimination that is directly correlated. Activities completed in discussion were meant to help us discover who we are, although I feel as though they also helped me gain an insight to American society. We, as individuals, strive to be the best

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we can be, but how can that happen when we are constantly judged and competing to be the best?
Personally I feel that America needs to be educated on the effects of discrimination and become, once again,“the land of the free” making everyone welcome.
As a result of the discussion activities, I have begun to analyze the identities I associate with and my own intersectionality. A young girl born into a middle class white family on August 8, 1989, I have found myself lucky with the amount of love given to me by family members and those of the community, but more importantly I have been blessed with the lifestyle my parents were able to provide. All throughout my school career my parents were there providing guidance and support, pushing me to achieve goals, setting the bar higher, and encouraging the learning process. They foresaw the abilities I possessed and my capabilities, ensuring I would live life to the fullest.
Often many are discriminated against due to the language spoken or ethnicity; however, I have not been discriminated against as I have grown up, always being the majority and accepted within the standards set by unmarked categories. There was never a time where I felt threatened due to being a minority or having traits that were inferior than others. While that statement does not mean that I did not have oppression, I learned to deal with it in ways to ensure it did not drag me down, but only make me stronger. For instance, being a woman has provided challenges within my life varying from school to outside groups that I have taken an active role. Women sports were established years ago in all public schools although even when I played lacrosse in high school there were still instances of inequality. This was demonstrated by the money girls sports received
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compared to the boys and the attention paid to us by athletic staff consisting of all male figures. Still today, issues are evident similar to this but we as Americans are striving towards a common goal to alleviate the battle between the sexes.
Through analyzing my life and coming to know the roots of my intersectionality it has become very evident how power is not only incorporated into my daily life, but more importantly the tremendous amount of influence it also has. I was unaware until this assignment of how I made the decisions as to what I considered the norm or what I accepted myself but heavily relied on other people’s opinions as I felt I had to agree and conform the majority of society. As a result of taking women’s studies and knowing the terms described in my paper I will not take an active stand against society to be my own self and educate others on the importance of individuality. All citizens make American the country it is today and it is not correct to think any less of them simply because they are not the same skin color or speak the same language. Activism is only as strong as its leaders and motivators, its time to start making change.

Power

Power has a word that has different meaning for people. Many see power as the ability to rule and have influence over others. The idea of gaining political rank and expanding their nation territory is ideal for those who view power in this way. Others view power as the strength within oneself. This strength permits people to excel in the trials and tribulations of everyday life. This strength allows a person to feel invincible and gives them the support to give their best effort forth. However, there are factors in life that can rob someone of their power. These factors can rob a person’s internal power and can strip them of their power to influence and rule. In the United States class, race, age, gender, and religion, etc, can be used to oppress people. The color of one’s skin or the one’s sex of a person may seem like small traits, but in fact these factors can have tremendous affect on an individual.
I believe that the power one holds in society is separate from ones internal power. Authority has always been defined through the rich and the poor. History proves that the class of an individual often offers power for the person. For instance, during the time of slavery there was the class of masters and the class of slaves. In feudalism there was the elite class of the lords who ruled the serfs and the peasants. In capitalism, the most used economic system in society, there is the class of the bourgeoisie who are superior to the class of the workers. The masters, the lords, and the bourgeoisie are the ones with the money and therefore are the ones in authority. The ruling class does hold the power in society, but does it mean that this group of people holds more internal power as well?
I am from the middle class of America. I am not necessarily in the ruling class but I do hold a significant amount of power considering my location in Montgomery County, Maryland- one of the wealthiest counties in the United States. Also my education at the University of Maryland --a well ranked and respected college in the United States-- puts me in an advantage over others who are uneducated. Considering these two aspects of my life, people would say I am a successful young woman who holds her power in society. Now, consider a man named Sadiq Adam Osman, a refugee from Darfur, Sudan. According to Inigo Gilmore, Osman’s mother and brother were both killed by the militia Janjaweed. He was captured by Sudanese security agents that severely tortured him for no apparent reason. Now, there are cuts all over his chest and arms. His legs still have the scars from the metal hooks that they pinned him down with. His forearms still ache from the ropes they were bound up with. He remembers being soaked in blood, and standing in the horrible smell of his urine and feces. Osman managed to escape his capturers, but he now has to live with the awful memories of his journey. However still, he tells his story to others. Every night he fears that the people he fled from will try to find and kill him, but he still tells his story.
Someone who endures so much torture, pain, and agony and is still able to happily live life has power beyond belief. Osman had the strength to keep fighting for his life despite the brutal torture he had to suffer. This is power within a person, and it is greater than the power to rule or to influence others. I admire this type of strength and I often wonder if I have the same kind of power as he. I can not say if I could or could not survive if I were in Osman’s situation. None of us knows the vigor within ourselves unless we are put in a situation such as his. Osman’s journey shows that although he is poor and uneducated he still holds power, however this power is internal. Although I may be better educated or wealthier than Osman, it does not mean that I hold more internal power than him. Internal power is separate from one’s economic, social, or political power in society. To me, this power is stronger.
Society views many other traits as subordinate besides those who are poor. These traits are classified as marked from the Matrix of Domination. The Matrix of Domination is sociological theory formed by Patricia Hill Collins. This theory explains that:
“The matrix comprises interlocking systems of domination, such as those based on gender and social class, whereby various bases of oppression intermesh while remaining distinct from one another. Every system of domination involves dramatic blends of privilege…”
In other words, various dimensions of difference such as race, gender, class, language, religion, and age mark the power of the individual of society. These dimensions can either be a privilege or oppression for the individual. Collins classifies the oppressed in the marked category and the privileged in the unmarked category.
Moreover, my age no longer puts me in the marked category because I am a young adult but, I still feel like people view and treat me as a child. When I express that I am eighteen years old, people do not always respect my thoughts and opinions. When I was just turned eighteen during my senior year, I began interning at a law firm. I remember one instance where my mentor invited me to a meeting he was having with a couple other well-respected lawyers. The lawyers were having a heated debate on a certain issue. I did not feel intimidated by these lawyers’s intellect, so I decided to put it in my input. When I included my thought of the issue, the room got quite and everyone looked at me. It seemed like they were thinking, “Did she just try say something to us?” Then, they all gave me a smile (one of those smiles you give a child when he does something cute), ignored what I had said, and continued on their debate. I felt like I made a significant point in my statement, but because they knew I was just a high school student it could have not been contributing. I felt it was not right that they assumed I was ignorant and inexperienced because of my age. Many children or young adults have gone through more struggles than adults have. The trials and tribulations of a person helps one grow and gain more knowledge. The lawyers did not know my past experiences, and they did not know the capacity of my knowledge. As Collins puts the young adult in the unmarked category, it is assumed that this group of people is privileged and powerful. However, this is inaccurate. This theory is based on an assumption and does not recognize the oppression many young adults endure because of their age.
In addition to being eighteen years old I am a citizen of the United States of America. Anyone from a third-world country would say that I am privileged. I live in a country of opportunity and freedom. However, I am not just American I am also Moroccan. Being from both of countries is sometimes oppressive for me. This makes me significantly different than others and often puts me in my racial category of my own. For those that do not know where Morocco is, it is in the upper-crest of Africa right below Spain. There are many cultures rooted in Morocco: French, Arab, Berber, African, and Spanish. This makes me very multi-cultural individual. I often times find myself not knowing what race I belong too. The simple task of filling out what race I am on job and school application is a difficult task for me.
When I have to fill out applications for jobs and school, it can often be a process that is full of confusion and questions. These forms have different boxes that specify the race of the applicant. While I fill out the application I would ask myself, should I check the box that says “white?’ Then I would think about my African ancestry, so does that mean I should check “African-American” box? At this point I would get a headache and then say to myself, I am not white but my skin is not black, so I am not African-American. I do look Arab, so maybe I should check off “Arab.” I try looking for the box that says Arab but I can not find it. Arab is not an option on the application. Okay, so maybe I should check off “Spanish.” As I am about to check that box off I realize do not speak Spanish. So finally I just choose the box that says “other.”
Morocco’s multi-cultural society makes it very difficult for me to identify with a certain race in the United States. I have friends of all type of races, but there is not one group that has the same cultural traditions as I do. People would say, go find some Moroccan friends, and I would, if there were any Moroccan people living in Maryland. It is also difficult to fit in when I go to Morocco. My American part of me often clashes with the traditional Moroccans. In a way I am the typical American: I am blunt, improper, and loud. Their way of living is very different from my American way of living. They do not have toilets, they do not have dryers, and they do not have many living equipment that Americans are accustomed to having. As a result of their different way of living and personalities I have a hard time fitting in to their lifestyle. I often find myself nothing more than a tourist in the country of my ancestors.


This clash of races within me constitutes a form of oppression. Power is often determined by acceptance and belonging in the society in which one lives in. I often feel like my power in society is stripped from me because I do not fit in. I am not all American because I do not completely relate to the American culture, and I am not entirely Moroccan because I do not fully relate to Moroccan culture. As a result, I feel like I lose power in society because I am alone.
However, an advantage of me being Moroccan-American is that I can speak many languages. I am able to speak English, French, Arabic, and Moroccan. According to the Matrix of Domination this ability makes me part of the marked category. Those who are of the unmarked category are those who solely speak Standard English. Nevertheless, I believe in the argument that a person who only speaks English qualifies a person to be powerful.
Although my ability to speak multiple languages is deemed marked, it can often prove to be an advantage for me. The United States is a very diverse country with different ethnicities and often requires employees to speak various languages. Many people do not feel the need to learn the English language, so being bi-lingual is a good ability to have. I feel like this ability gives me a sort of power. I am offered more jobs and I can get higher positioned job. As a result of this ability, people think highly of me; they put me on a higher pedestal than others. Although I am highly accepted in society because of this skill, I am still considered to be of the” marked category.” I am still considered to be unaccepted in society, the outcast. In result, the idea of marked and unmarked category is not accurate. People in America actually demand those who are bi-lingual rather those who only speak English. Collins does not consider that as society changes socially, economically, and politically, the general public will construct who is or is not in the elite, the powerful.
One can see the inaccuracy in the theory of “marked” and “unmarked” category when examining the progression of the female in society. According to the Matrix of Domination, the female is of the marked category. This would be accurate if one were to look at society 200 years ago when women were not allowed to work, learn, or vote. Females at that time were the oppressed; they were the powerless, and they were the marked. However now, females have the same opportunities and abilities that men have, and sometimes better. The presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, the Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Speaker of the House of Representatives are all successful women in American society today. Is it accurate to say that these women are marked? Are these women subordinate, oppressed, and powerless? It is apparent that these women are none of above. They are equally or better capable than men are and it is unfair that females still are considered to be of the “marked” category. In other words, women do have the same capabilities as men, but there is still times where females are discriminated and treated unequally. I have been faced with gender discrimination multiple times. However, it only seems to occur when I apply for jobs.
I remember during my junior year of high school in 2006, I applied for a job near my neighborhood. I had a couple of male friends also applying for the same job. The tasks of the job included making food, cleaning, heavy lifting of equipment, and being a cashier. I felt that I was capable of all of these duties, but the employer did not think the same way. All my friends were employed except for me. At first, I did not understand why I was not employed. However, when one of my friends pointed out that I was the only female that applied, and I quickly began to understand. He suggested that I did not get picked because I was a female. I realized that this was the only reason, and this deeply infuriated me. I did not understand why he thought that I was not capable of doing the work of the job. Then I thought, it could have been because the job demanded heavy lifting. However, he does not know my physical capabilities. He could not assume that I was incapable of heavy lifting because of my appearance. I felt like this was wrong and I felt discriminated against. Do women assume that men can not care for a child because he is male? Women do not assume this, so men should not assume that women are weak.
Throughout history society, has constructed a certain perception of women that assumes that they are incapable of certain tasks. This perception is often inaccurate and often causes the discrimination of women. The power of a woman can not be determined by assumptions. The capabilities of woman vary; some women are the epitome of the female stereotypes and some are not. Many women are the typical housewife, which cooks and cleans. Many are also the stereotypical reliant and weak women, who depend on their husbands and men to do the hard labor. However, there are also more women who are the independent, strong-headed, and labor alongside the men in the workforce. As the capabilities of women differ, so do the capabilities of men. Some men are epitome of the male stereotype. They are the strong, hardworking, men that take care of their family. There are also the needy men, who stay home to care for the children, cook, and clean. Society has reached a new generation where the man often takes the role of the woman. I believe that the woman should no longer be considered part of the marked society and men should acknowledge that woman are fully capable of performing the same tasks equal or better than they can.

Moreover, my religion also places me in the “marked” category. I am in the “marked” category because I am not a Protestant Christian; I am Muslim. It is sometimes hard being of this religion because many people think so negatively of it. After September 11, many people began to assume that our religion promotes terrorism. This often causes Americans to discriminate against the Muslim community.
For instance, while I was navigating the internet one day, I found a website that completely disrespected the religion of Islam. There were many pictures depicting our prophet, Muhammad, as a “terrorist” and associating our religion with the “devil”. People were calling our religion the religion from “hell”, “satanic”, the “enemy”, “evil”, essentially every negative word the in the dictionary. These opinions were very hurtful to me and made me feel powerless.
These negative comments are simply based on assumptions. Society immediately recalls the stereotypes of a certain race, religion, or gender and assumes that that person will act the way they perceive them to act. Sometimes when I tell a person that I am Muslim I know what they are thinking: Is she a terrorist? Is her family a terrorist? This sometimes makes not want to state my religion. I am afraid that there will be an immediate perception of me that will cause some sort of discrimination. I want to feel comfortable enough where I can put on the scarf covering over my hair and apply for a job without fear of discrimination. Our society is not at the stage where it accepts Muslims. I feel like I am most powerless and oppressed when I express my religion. My oppression due to my race, nationality, and language do not compare to the oppression I face from my religion. My religion is the only aspect from the marked category where I struggle with the most discrimination and hatred.
The matrix of domination allowed me to realize what dimensions of difference I am the most powerful and oppressed in. Many of the dimensions where I thought I was going to be oppressed were not oppressive at all. Being female and knowing other launguages besides Standard English was oppressive according to the Matrix of Domination. However, after relating these dimensions of difference to my life, I found out that being bi-lingial actually gave me more power in society and being female does not mean we are subordinate at all. The Matrix of Domination seemed to be inaccurate at times. Collins fails to realize that society is constantly changing. People who were of power years or centuries ago are not the same people in power now. Speaking multiple languages is actually in demand in society today. These categories of marked and unmarked are not permanent because society is constantly going through economic, social, and political changes. Also, the matrix of domination is mainly based on assumption. It assumes that people of are of the marked category are the powerless, but this is not always true. People assume that being poor, female, and a child are all oppressive—they can often times be more powerful than those of the unmarked category. If the people of the marked category does not hold significant power in society, they hold a different type of power—internal power. To me, this power is stronger than the ability to rule or influence others. It is the inner strength one has inside; it is what keeps a person going through hard times. Although I have noticed some inaccuracies in the matrix domination, I do believe that some dimensions of difference will always be oppressive for me. I will always struggle with my multiple identities as being Moroccan-American. I will also never be able to identify with a certain race. However, what oppresses my most of all is my religion. Until society rids itself from its assumptions of race, gender, age, class, language, and nationality, certain people will always be oppressed, the powerless.

My Matrix of Domination

The idea of a matrix of domination is a prominent concept in feminist thought that allows an individual to understand both their privilege and oppression. In this essay, I will summarize my position in my matrix of domination. Afterwards, I will critically examine four groups in my matrix of domination. These four groups will be based around race/skin color, citizenship status, class, and sexuality and gender identity. Finally, I will discuss how I believe the tensions in the four groups can be mitigated.
In my matrix of domination, I will discuss my unmarked and marked categories. I will focus my matrix of domination on America in terms of geographic range. My unmarked categories include physical capabilities, sex, age, background class, and skin color. My marked categories include gender, class, race, citizenship, political ideology, and sexuality. I feel that before I proceed, I should define some unclear categories such as physical capabilities, background class, and skin color. In terms of physical capabilities, I am discussing someone’s physical health and fitness. For the purposes of this assignment, I assume that someone is marked to be physically capable if they do not suffer from any physical or mental handicaps. For background class, I will be discussing the class I was raised in and enjoy the benefits of, even though I do not feel like I belong to it. By skin color, I mean the color of one’s skin and the advantages and disadvantages one gains from it.
I will now discuss my unmarked categories. First, in terms of physical capability, I am physically and mentally fit. By this I mean I am not hindered by any disease or inability to achieve my goals. Second, in terms of sex, I was born as a XY human. I have the physical characteristics of a XY human and I am often branded as male. Third, I am eighteen years of age and thus enjoy being the focus of countless media outlets and advertisers. I am hardly barred in terms of the activities I am allowed to do. Fourth, I have a background class of a middle class. This means that while I do not consider myself part of the middle class, I have enjoyed many of its benefits associated with being part of that class such as a steady supply of income and certain manner socialization. Finally, my skin color is white/tan and I enjoy many of the benefits associated with this color even though I do not wish to.
Now, I will describe my marked categories. For my gender, I consider myself androgynous, meaning I do not feel that I am male or female. I also draw from both male and female perspectives and enjoy both traditionally male and female things. I have no class identification whatsoever and strive to be as classless as possible. I feel that I am part of the human race and have no race identification with my supposed race, Slavic. I am not an American citizen, but I am legally allowed to stay in America. I am an anarchist and was previously a communist. While I will not address this part of my marked category in my discussion, I feel it is important in understanding my place in society. Historically, anarchist and communists have been looked down upon by mainstream American society and this historical resentment is still present today. I often have to take great pains to defend my views before I even begin to address the subject in a political discussion. Finally, I am a pansexual. Pansexuality can be defined as being able to be attracted to individuals regardless of their biological make up, gender identity, and sexual identity. I also understand why people conduct themselves in bizarre sexual practices, but I do not condone them.
Now with my matrix of domination established and my categories defined, I will discuss the tensions between groups of my marked and unmarked categories.
The first tension I will address is the tension between my skin color and race. As I have stated earlier, I have white/tan skin and enjoy the benefits associated with this skin color, even though I do not want to. While most individuals would think that the only benefits I receive from my skin color are economical, I disagree wholeheartedly. While my job search will be drastically easier due to my skin color, I believe the overall representation of people of my skin color is an advantage I enjoy. People of a white skin color are constantly pushed to go to college, are disassociated from being criminals even though a majority of white collar crimes are committed by whites, and people with my skin color are constantly shown in positions of power. Furthermore, I do not feel as if my skin color is associated with race, meaning I do not see myself as superior to other people just because of my biological predisposition to a certain skin color.
In my opinion, race is a socially constructed character trait used to justify one’s group superiority over another. Race has been historically defined by three main characteristics; birthplace, marked features, and origin. Birthplace was the initial indicator of race as the world was seen as being divided into geographical sections where certain races originated from. For example, Africa is home to the African or ‘Negro’ race while East Asia is home to the ‘Oriental’ race. Once different races began to intermix, marked features became the indicator of race. There was the “superior” race and the “inferior” race. Both races could be identified by their marked features, such as skin color and physical traits. Finally, origin, or whom one was born from, became an indicator of race once racial lines began to blur. If one came from a purely white family, one was considered of being part of the Caucasian race. Within these three characteristics of race, there is a built in notion of superiority and inferiority. By this built in notion, I mean that certain stereotypes are associated with both the “superior” and “inferior” race and relations between people are often regulated by these stereotypes. For instance, young black men are stereotypically seen as violent, so when one is walking down the street, they take special aim to avoid any contact with a young black man. Since race is imbued with these notions and stereotypes, I refuse to associate with any race and see myself as simply human.
The tension between my skin color and my views over race arises when it becomes clear that even though I don’t believe in race, I am often seen as enjoying the benefits of my supposedly Caucasian race even though I enjoy these benefits due to my skin color. So, I am seen as being part of the Caucasian race even though I do not wish to be. This usually does not bother me as I can discount my membership to the race if I needed to, but I often feel deep guilt when I am forced to identify a race on a government document. When I was twelve, my family registered themselves as Caucasian on Green Card forms and I have been stuck with this label ever since. Every time I am forced to put down Caucasian on a government form, it feels as if I descend into a zero-sum race war where I seize the benefits and chances of another fellow human. I am not sure how to change my status from Caucasian to Other, but I feel that I must do so in order to stop seizing benefits due to my race.
Another tension I often experience is between skin color and my citizenship status. While my skin color often gives me advantages, a lot of those advantages are stripped away due to my citizenship status as a legal immigrant. While I do realize that I may have more opportunities and advantages than an illegal immigrant, I still believe my status as a legal immigrant puts me at a disadvantage in comparison to regular citizens. In other words, I feel I am oppressed in certain areas as a legal citizen. While citizens may feel that they can fully exercise their right to free speech, I am constantly watching what I say in what I write and say over means that can be recorded and traced back to me and my family. I am paranoid that if I say the wrong thing, my family will be deported back to Russia or be tried as traitors. Furthermore, I feel a sense of inferiority amongst regular citizens. This inferiority most likely originated back when I was in high school. My Mom told me that while citizens could freely join any organization they wanted, I should be very picky with the ones I join because my choices could hurt my chances at earning citizenship. This advice impacted my life because I was frightened to join organizations I felt solidarity with, such as the ISO, or participate in movements I believed in that could be seen as subversive, such as anti-war war protests. So, while I may enjoy certain opportunities due to my skin color, I also lose my ability to speak freely due to my desire to protect my family and ensure their citizenship.
Another tension I experience is a tension between class and background class. I feel that class is an economically constructed concept that serves to divide human beings and pit each class subset against one another. I first developed this feeling about class after reading Marx in the eighth grade. I felt solidarity with the oppressed proletariat and a disdain for the privileged bourgeois. However, as my understanding of class developed and I eventually moved away from Marxist literature and into anarchist literature, I began to feel a disdain for all classes. I slowly realized that all classes were constantly struggling for power, resource and opportunity domination, and that supporting one class over another would perpetuate the class war rather than ending it. Once I made this conclusion about the constant class war, I decided to favor an elimination of all classes and class advantages and disadvantages rather than favoring a specific class’s domination. So, from my point of view, I do not belong to any class and do not put any merit in advancing or falling from a particular class standing.
While I may exclude myself from any identification with class, I do acknowledge that I ultimately benefit from my background class upbringing. My background class, the middle class, affords me with opportunities and hindrances that I would not have if I came from the poor or rich class. I enjoy the benefits of a good education, safe neighborhood, and access to extracurricular activities and facilities. The problem I face is that I cannot give any of these advantages up. While I do have the luxury to abandon all my money and begin my life from scratch, I cannot abandon any of the advantages I had growing up. Thus, I feel as if I am constantly stranded in the middle class. The tension from my class and background class rises from the fact that I cannot resolve the conflict between my views on class and my position in the middle class.
Before I move on to discuss the fourth and final tension, I believe I must clarify something about my matrix of domination. I fully realize that the past three tensions I described do not put me in an oppressed position. The tensions between race and skin color and class and background class are merely my laments on my inability to escape my position as a dominator. Furthermore, I feel that my tension between skin color and citizenship status largely spawns from an overblown paranoia and the actual threat posed to me is smaller than I make it out to be. I believe that I am not oppressed in any of these areas mostly due to the definition of oppression set out by Marilyn Frye in “Oppression.” Frye says that in order to understand oppression, “one has to look in context in order to tell whether it is an element in an oppressive structure: one has to see if it is part of an enclosing structure of forces and barriers which tends to the immobilization and reduction of a group or category of people.” In order to see if one is on the oppressed end of the structure, one must judge whether they are being actively immobilized by the oppressing force. The example Frye provides is that men are rewarded by other men for having emotional restraint while women are not rewarded by other men for having physical restraint. Women are ridiculed and mocked for their physical restraint, such as “cramped postures and attenuated strides,” while men are rewarded for their emotional restraints. A better example to consider is the position of middle class people and the ghetto. While members of the rich class may feel as if they are missing out on something by socially not being allowed to live in the ghetto, they are not in any way oppressed from this. Unlike residents of the ghetto who are immobilized in the ghetto by economic and social forces, rich class people are in no way immobilized by these forces. Considering Frye’s definition of oppression, it can be clearly seen that I am not oppressed in any of my three categories, but I do experience tension because I am in a position of power even though I do not wish to be.
The final tension I will discuss is between my sexuality, pansexual, and my sex, XY human. As a pansexual, I feel attracted to people regardless of their sexual identity, biological make up, and gender identity. Pansexuality is imbued with the notion that heteronormativity, gender binary, and gender roles are inherently wrong. As a XY human, I am consistently mislabeled as a heterosexual male and expected to fill the gender roles attached with the male sex.
The tension between my pansexuality and the expectations of me as a XY human is a clear example in my matrix of domination where I am truly oppressed. There are countless examples in my life where I was immobilized from pursuing my desires and expressing myself due to the heteronormative attitude prevalent in society. The three main areas where I am most often oppressed are in attraction, gender roles, and comfort with my identity.
When I discuss attraction, I define it as my physical or mental infatuation with another person. Through a majority of my life, I have been told that any attraction towards XY humans was wrong. When I first began to experience feelings towards XY humans in the fifth grade, I pushed down these feelings because I was constantly told that they were inappropriate, disgusting, or pathetic. Eventually, I learned to ignore these feelings and even began to ridicule others for having them. Once I began to rediscover my feelings, many of my friends were supportive, but a majority of the people who did not know me told me that I was disgusting. Eventually, my pansexuality was what people used to define my personality. In other words, people would say that I had certain character traits just because I was pansexual. The fact that my sexuality was viewed as strange and even shameful and I had to combat groups of preconceived notions before I could even befriend some people is evidence of my oppression.
Gender roles are roles that males and females are expected to follow in order to be normal. I have rarely had problems with gender roles because I completely dismiss them and follow whatever preferences I have. The only time I’ve had a problem with gender roles is when I decided to wear stereotypically XX clothing. At first, I refused to even put any XX clothing on in public because I feared ridicule. However, in the last month I bought my first dress and wore it in public. While I did receive some suspicious glances, I didn’t feel ostracized or ridiculed. Unfortunately, the three year period where I was even afraid of being seen in public is more proof of my oppression by heteronormative forces.
An area where I still feel oppressed today is comfort with my identity. While I feel comfortable in front of strangers and my friends, I still fear that my family will find out about my pansexuality and I am afraid of their reaction. Around my family, I attempt to avoid any conversations surrounding homosexuality and transexuality. The reason for this is because my father has told me that he views homosexuality as a disease. Furthermore, I avoid wearing XX clothing and make up around my family. Overall, I fear being hated and disowned by family so I do my best to hide squash this aspect of my identity when I am at home. While this concealment doesn’t bother me a majority of the time, I do fear that I will eventually have to confront my family with the truth. Overall, this discomfort is the clearest evidence of how social forces oppress me.
With all these tensions established, it will be a daunting task to individually address each tension and discuss how it may be resolved. Instead, it would be easier to find the central force behind these tensions and discuss how this force can be altered so that the tensions are relieved. At the center of these tensions lies one force, economic status. Any of the tensions I described can be attributed to economic status. For example, pansexuality being looked down upon can be attributed to the economic need for a family unit. The family unit, a typically heterosexual institution, is propagated by reproduction and any XY/XY bond could jeopardize the chances a family unit has to advance. So, in order to preserve the family unit, heterosexuality is the best sexual mode for a society to operate. A family unit is needed because the capitalist system sustains itself on the need for wage laborers and the most productive wage laborers usually come from family units.
Altering the way economic status operates is an incredibly difficult endeavor. However, I do have several recommendations on changes that could be made to economic status so that it is a less oppressive institution. First, economic status should change its primacy on amassing money for material objects. Instead of valuing this sort of wealth, society should value amassing money so that it can be injected back into the community to improve the lives of the less well of. Second, the hyper-individual collectivism present in our society should be scaled back. Hyper-individualism takes aspects of one’s identity, such as sexuality, and makes it a core feature to a social group. For example, heterosexual males often get together to affirm their own sexual identity and dismiss that of others for no apparent reason. Hyper-individualism usually results from a market demand for certain characteristics in order to be successful. This hyper-individual collectivism should be replaced with a form of altruistic collectivism that values an exchange of values over the brash flaunting of them. Finally, the purpose of amassing wealth should shift from dividing people to uniting them. If individuals used their wealth to connect to their community and other groups of individuals rather than exiling themselves, then a sense of understanding would form and less accepted practices today would become more accepted.

From Cynthia Freeland's But Is It Art?:

“…But audiences who see and react to a modern artist do not enter in with shared beliefs and values, or with prior knowledge of what will transpire. Most modern art, in the context of theatre, gallery, or concert hall, lacks the background reinforcement of pervasive community belief that provides meaning in terms of catharsis, sacrifice, or initiation. Far from audiences coming to feel part of a group, sometimes they get shocked and abandon the community. This happened in Minneapolis when performance artist Ron Athey, who is HIV-positive, cut the flesh of a fellow performer on stage and then hung blood-soaked paper towels over the audience, creating a panic. If artists just want to shock the bourgeoisie, it becomes pretty hard to distinguish the latest kind of art that gets written up in Artforum from a Marilyn Manson performance that includes Satanic rituals of animal sacrifice on stage.

The cynical assessment is that blood in contemporary art does not forge meaningful associations, but promotes entertainment and profit. The art world is a competitive place, and artists need any edge thy can get, including shock value. John Dewey pointed out in Art as Experience, in 1934, that artists must strive for novelty in response to the market:

Industry has been mechanized and an artist cannot work mechanically for mass production....Artists find it incumbent….to betake themselves to their work as an isolated means of ‘self-expression.’ In order not to cater to the trend of economic forces, they often feel obliged to exaggerate their separateness to the point of eccentricity.

Damien Hirst, the ‘Britpack’ artist who sparked controversy in the 1990s by displaying macabre high-tech exhibits of dead sharks, sliced cows, or lambs in vitrines of formaldehyde, has parlayed his notoriety into success with his popular Pharmacy restaurant in London. It is hard to imagine how Hirst’s tableaux of rotting meat (complete with maggots) helped his image in the food business – but fame works in mysterious ways. (4-6)

But It Is Art?

Two controversial articles I stumbled across in my Internet travels:

1. Artist Leaves Dog to Die on Exhibition Display
Read: Here, Here, and Here

2. Yale Art Student Represents Abortion as "Creative Fiction"
Read: Here, Here, and Here


What are your reactions to these artistic statements? Is such art political? Justifiable? Should art be ethical, and if so, what are the standards?

Tell me your answers to these questions for the Tuesday in-class assignment.

Tunnel Reflection

After walking through the tunnel of oppression, I was pretty depressed. First, the amount of TV that is watched by today's society is pretty sickening. Also, the map that had tacks in it stating where certain hate groups were located in Maryland was interesting because there was a tack for the KKK near my town in Maryland. This was interesting because just recently mass e-mails were sent out to many government employees that could be moving to the area, stating that the KKK runs rampant in the area. (http://www.wbaltv.com/news/15860363/detail.html). I've never personally seen/experienced any KKK or other hatred in the area, but there were always rumors. Also, the displays exposing the illegal arms and drug problems in the US and other countries are often depicted in movies and TV shows, but it seems nothing is being done to fix these problems. Maybe if some of the endless junk food and bright colored commercials that kids are seeing these days were replaced with commercials that were aimed at initiating change, the youth would grow up being more conscious and aware of the current state of the world outside of their hometown.

Intersectionality and Matrix of Dominiation

In her book Black Feminist Thought, Patricia Hill Collins delineates intersectionality from matrix of domination:

Intersectionality refers to particular forms of intersecting oppressions, for example, intersections of race and gender, or of sexuality and nation. Intersectional paradigms remind us that oppression cannot be reduced to one fundamental type, and that oppressions work together in producing injustice. In contrast, the matrix of domination refers to how intersecting oppressions are actually organized. Regardless of the particular intersections involved, structural, disciplinary, hegemonic, and interpersonal domains of power reappear across quite different forms of oppression. (18)

You can find more information about Patricia Hill Collins and the matrix of domination here.

Also, from here:

"In addition to being structured along axes such as race, gender, and social class, the matrix of domination is structured on several levels. People experience and resist oppression on three levels: the level of personal biography; the group or community level of the cultural context created by race, class, and gender; and the systemic level of social institutions. Black feminist thought emphasizes all three levels as sites of domination and as potential sites of resistance.

Each individual has a unique personal biography made up of concrete experiences, values, motivations, and emotions. No two individuals occupy the same social space; thus no two biographies are identical. Human ties can be freeing and empowering, as is the case with Black women's heterosexual love relationships or in the power of motherhood in African-American families and communities. Human ties can also be confining and oppressive. Situations of domestic violence and abuse or cases in which controlling images foster Black women's internalized oppression represent domination on the personal level. The same situation can look quite different depending on the consciousness one brings to interpret it."

Living with Tunnel Vision

Through having the opportunity to walk through the Tunnel of Oppression I noticed the controversies within American society that go unnoticed. Everyday I do not conciously think of the impact of actions although when standing back and looking at the exhibits our every move influences an aspect of the community either locally, nationally, or globally. It was unreal to see the amount of t.v. that children and adults watch. Marked and unmarked categories are often influenced by the stereotypes that mass media promotes and now looking at the statistics it is no wonder that citizens heavily rely on this power structure to make their decisions. I hope that students who attend the exhibit began to relay the message as imagine if those four hours a night were spent advocating for equality of race and gender. America would be a changed society in a postive direction and one which would welcome all regardless of intersectionality. What I have gained as a result of this exhibit is tremendous and I will use to advocate to friends the importance of daily decisions.

Women's Studies Event

When: 23^rd April, 2008

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Where: 0102 Francis Scott Key

Screening: Chocolate City (approx. 46 mins.)

The film chronicles the removal of approximately 400 families from the Arthur Cappers public housing project in South East DC and the subsequent demolition of their homes for the construction of high-income condominiums. It highlights the housing crisis faced by low and middle income individuals in Washington, D.C.

Class on Tuesday

For class on Tuesday, we will attend/participate in the University of Maryland Tunnel of Oppression.

A description of the Tunnel of Oppression:

The Tunnel of Oppression seeks to creatively address social injustice and showcase the way that different forms of oppression continue to exist and operate in today's society. It is an interactive, multi-sensory exhibit designed by students to educate their peers. The 2008 Tunnel will be displayed in the Grand Ballroom in the Stamp Student Union on April 15, 16, and 17.

On Tuesday at 12:30, we will meet in the main lobby of Stamp, near the Information Desk on the first floor, and then go as a class to the Tunnel of Oppression.

Your in-class assignment, due after class, will be to write a paragraph describing your thoughts and feelings as you went through the Tunnel. You will also want to reference some of the terms we've been working with this semester: power, privilege, oppression, intersectionality, matrix of domination, marked and unmarked categories, social location.
You can also discuss some of the limitations of the Tunnel. There have been many articles published online which critique the Tunnel. (Here, here, and here) This will be my first experience with the Tunnel, and I'm interested in finding out how useful or problematic you find this activist art.

Announcements

Not For Sale Documentary Screening

• Date: April 14th, 2008
• Time: 6:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.
• Location: Prince George’s Room, Stamp Student Union
• Donations Accepted.

Join us for a free screening of Not For Sale, a revealing documentary about human trafficking and the modern day abolitionists who fight slavery all over the world.27 million people are slaves today—80% are women and children. Learn about the human trafficking and slavery epidemic—the fastest growing criminal activity around the world and a $30 billion a year industry—and what YOU can do to help fight slavery in the U.S. and abroad. Donations collected will go directly to the Polaris Project, a DC-based organization that uses a comprehensive approach to combat human trafficking and slavery. Sponsored by the American Medical Student Association, UMD Pre-Medical Chapter Contact for more information.

Clothesline T-Shirt Making Event

• Date: Thursday & Friday April 10-11, 2008
• Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
• Location: Front of the University Health Center
• Free T-Shirts provided

The Sexual Assault Prevention Office and S.A.F.E.R are sponsoring Clothesline Project T-Shirt making in the Art & Learning Center (Stamp Student Union). T-shirts can be made in preparation for the 2008 Clothesline Project that takes place on April 16th in Hornbake Plaza. All are welcome to make a t-shirt to display at the Clothesline Project (for yourself or to honor a loved one). Free t-shirts will be provided by the Office of the Victim Advocate and the Sexual Assault Prevention Office and art materials will be provided by the Art & Learning Center.

Clothesline Project

On Wednesday April 16th, the Sexual Assault Prevention Office and Office of the Victim Advocate are sponsoring the University of Maryland Clothesline Project. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. hundreds of t-shirts representing those affected by sexual assault, relationship violence, and other forms of violence will be displayed on several clotheslines encompassing Hornbake Plaza. During the all day event, students including S.A.F.E.R peers, OVA peers, AEPi members, and other student groups will be tabling in the center of the plaza to offer information and resources about sexual assault and relationship violence. T-shirts and paint will be available during this event as well. The original Clothesline Project began in 1990 by members of the Cape Cod Women’s Agenda in Massachusetts. The Clothesline Project has grown to 300+ local projects nationally and internationally. To learn more about the Clothesline Project, please visit: ClotheslineProject.org

Women's Studies at UMD

I would encourage all of you to visit the Women's Studies homepage and to explore not only our course offerings, but also the major and certificate program. Read some testimonials by past WMST majors!

Women's Studies Major

The major offers students a coherent yet flexible program of study. Drawing from approximately 50 courses, many of which are cross-listed with other academic units, students fulfill the broad requirements of the 39-credit major and also have the opportunity to design an emphasis relevant to their special interests such as women and the humanities or women and society. Students gain an understanding of and respect for the difference in their lives as they encounter issues of gender, age, ability, class, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation and national origin in the classroom and the curriculum.

The Certificate

The Department and Program offer two additional undergraduate programs of study. Certificate students undertake a 21-credit interdisciplinary program of study on women to complement and supplement another degree program.

Requirements

• WMST 200 or WMST 250
• WMST 400
• WMST 488
• 12 credits from the list of distributive courses - at least one course from each category, and at least one cultural diversity course (noted with an *)

The Joint Minor in Black Women's Studies

The 15-credit joint minor with the Department of African American Studies in Black Women’s Studies focuses on the lives and experiences of women of African and the African Diaspora.

Honors Program

The Honors Program in the Department of Women’s Studies is designed to give students the opportunity to pursue rigorous interdisciplinary research and writing under the close supervision and mentorship of a Women’s Studies faculty member. Students can be expected to gain a deeper understanding of the field and the critical thinking and writing skills to excel in graduate or professional school or in management-level positions in the professional workforce. The Women’s Studies honors program is an upper-level, departmental honors program. For information on two-year, living-learning honors program such as University Honors, Honors Humanities and Gemstone, please visit these programs’ Web sites.

Some of our summer course offerings include:

• Introduction to Black Women's Studies
• The Sociology of Gender
• Women and Science Fiction
• Immigrant Women's Experiences
• Women's Health
• Women & Media

Some of the exciting courses offered in the Fall semester include:
Introduction to Literature by Women
Feminist Reconceptualizations of Knowledge
Women on the Frontier
Women in the Media

To learn more about the major or certificate program, please feel free to contact the Women's Studies undergraduate advisor, Laura Nichols (lnichols@umd.edu).

In An Absolut World

The link is to a picture of the advertisement that Absolut Vodka ran and it relates to the Mexican colonization from section today. Here's a link to the Washington Post article about it.
Also, check out "The Last Resort" by the Eagles...its a good song about manifest destiny, and such .

Here are the lyrics.

"The Last Resort"

She came from Providence,
the one in Rhode Island
Where the old world shadows hang
heavy in the air
She packed her hopes and dreams
like a refugee
Just as her father came across the sea

She heard about a place people were smilin'
They spoke about the red man's way,
and how they loved the land
And they came from everywhere
to the Great Divide
Seeking a place to stand
or a place to hide

Down in the crowded bars,
out for a good time,
Can't wait to tell you all,
what it's like up there
And they called it paradise
I don't know why
Somebody laid the mountains low
while the town got high

Then the chilly winds blew down
Across the desert
through the canyons of the coast, to
the Malibu
Where the pretty people play,
hungry for power
to light their neon way
and give them things to do

Some rich men came and raped the land,
Nobody caught 'em
Put up a bunch of ugly boxes, and Jesus,
people bought 'em
And they called it paradise
The place to be
They watched the hazy sun, sinking in the sea

You can leave it all behind
and sail to Lahaina
just like the missionaries did, so many years ago
They even brought a neon sign: "Jesus is coming"
Brought the white man's burden down
Brought the white man's reign

Who will provide the grand design?
What is yours and what is mine?
'Cause there is no more new frontier
We have got to make it here

We satisfy our endless needs and
justify our bloody deeds,
in the name of destiny and the name
of God

And you can see them there,
On Sunday morning
They stand up and sing about
what it's like up there
They call it paradise
I don't know why
You call someplace paradise,
kiss it goodbye

A note about collaborative projects

As I had explained previously, the different steps of Assignment 3a require you to work collaboratively with your partner. You should both meet with your partner on a regular basis to complete the different steps AND you should prepare your statement (1 paragraph, typed, both partners sign) together. If your partner doesn't show up to class on a date that a step is due, and your partner did not sign the paragraph, I will assume that your partner did not contribute to creating this paragraph (and hence your partner will not receive credit for completing it).

I've been more lax about Step 2, but keep this in mind as you prepare Steps 3-5.

The Blurring of Sci-Fi and Reality?

In his comment to the post below, Dan had referenced the news story about the pregnant man. One (sympathetic) version of the story is found here. Read it and let me know what you think!

Scholarship and In-class Assignment

LBGT Equity Scholarship & Rodler-Wood Scholarship

The Rodler-Wood Scholarship will be awarded this spring and has an application deadline of April 21. Fulltime undergraduate or graduate students are eligible to apply for this $1000 award, which will be made on the basis of one or more of the following criteria:

* demonstrated financial need; * hardship based on sexual orientation; * academic interest in LGBT Studies; * extracurricular activities on behalf of LGBT issues.

Applicants should submit 1) a brief written statement outlining their qualifications and interests; 2) an unofficial transcript; and 3) one letter of recommendation. Materials should be directed to my attention at the LGBT Studies Program, 2212 Marie Mount Hall, Campus.

Students are welcome and encouraged to apply for both the LGBT Equity Scholarship and the Rodler-Wood Scholarship.

-- Marilee Lindemann Associate Professor, English Director, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies University of Maryland 301.405.6349 www.lgbts.umd.edu

The LGBT Equity Scholarship, now $1,500, financed by the LGBT Scholarship Fund. The recipient must be a full time student at the University of Maryland, College Park, who has demonstrated a commitment to promoting civil rights for and preventing discrimination against LGBT people.

To apply, you must submit a short statement (maximum of 2 pages, double spaced) explaining why you think you qualify for the scholarship. You must also submit an unofficial transcript and at least one letter of recommendation. Submit your materials to Dr. Luke Jensen, 0119 Cole Student Activities Bldg no later than April 21.

The LGBT Scholarship Fund also provides emergency support for students in financial need because of sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. For more information, contact Dr. Luke Jensen.

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In-class Assignment

As Katie discussed in lecture last week, Perez's Chicana Art is about the intersections of gender, feminism, sexuality, spirituality, and art. Most of the artists featured in this text are queer Chicana feminists who use art to express their activism, identity, oppressions, and hopes for the future.

In class tomorrow, we will further explore these multiple sites of power and im/possibilities. Now that you've read Chicana Art and heard Katie's discussion of the text (even if "heard" means visiting her lecture blog), what do you want to discuss tomorrow? What are your investments in this book, or at least in the issues raised by this book? Tell me in a comment to this post.