The Identity of My Intersecting Identities: When Privilege and Oppression Meet Within Me
- Raghav Suri (Iowa State University)
Abstract
This presentation/discussion will focus on intersecting identities, in particular, how visible and invisible identities interact with one’s skin color. A developmental and social context will be used to understand the development of self-concept--how an identity around intersecting identities is formed.
The lecture will highlight how certain identities become more emphasized in our understanding of the self, based on the repeated messages received during the development years, contextual changes, or significant life events.
The discussion portion of the presentation will explore the definition of an identity (internal or external), and will provide an opportunity for the audience to reflect on their own identities (gender, disability sexual orientation, immigration status, religious identification etc.). Furthermore, a dialogue on differences in our contextual appearances will be used to shed light on our privileged and oppressed identities, and our reliance on one or the other to navigate our lives.
Such a framework will then be used to discuss strategies on promoting empathy among the majority groups, to empower ourselves, students and clients, and to direct our social advocacy efforts.