![WHO AM I? THE COMPLEXITY OF IDENTITY
• “The salience of particular aspects of our identity
varies at different moments in our lives” (Tatum,
1997).
• “The parts of our identity that do capture our
attention are those that other people notice, and
that reflect back to us” (1997).
• “Social categories…are[/were] used to establish and
maintain a particular social order” (Kirk & Okazawa-
Rey, 2001).
• It’s a social construction
• It’s great to recognize, but don’t let it define a
person](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/fc3aed06-c8b9-4c7e-b53e-93f5e5e54f3d-150130122203-conversion-gate01/85/MulticulturalIdentityPPT-12-320.jpg)
MulticulturalIdentityPPT
- 3. ANTHONY T MAM B.S. Actuarial Mathematics, Bryant University 2011 • VP of the International Student Organization, 2009-2010 • Multicultural Student Union, 2007-2011 • Intercultural Center Work Study, 2008-2011 • RA, 2009-2011 M.S. College Student Personnel, University of RI 2013 • Resident Director at RISD, 2011-2013 • Graduate Intern at URI Multicultural Center, Spring 2012 • Program Intern at Brown University’s TW Center, 2012-2013 I have a strong passion for diversity and social justice, specifically with communities of color. My motto in life is to “Celebrate, Educate, and Advocate” people about themselves and others
- 4. MY PEOPLE OUT THERE…
- 5. ACTIVITY My name is _____________, and I Am____________________ • _______________________ _ • _______________________ _
- 6. GOAL Every individual will have an appreciation of their own identity and recognize the many that other’s share
- 7. GOAL Furthermore, the ability to reflect on these questions: What reactions/feelings/thoughts do I have when I hear the terms diversity and multiculturalism ? What groups do I identify with the most? What groups do I have a particularly difficult time relating to? Why? What groups do I have identifiable negative thoughts about? What is underneath the thoughts? Are there groups I am aware of avoiding? What stereotypes do I have toward these groups? What steps am I willing to take to address my stereotypes toward out-group members?
- 8. DON’T GET IT TWISTED - TERMS Ethnicity Race Nationality Citizenship Heritage Culture
- 9. ACTIVITY!
- 10. Can include: • Race • Ethnicity • Nationality • Citizenship • Heritage • Culture Can also include your upbringing: • Neighborhood • Hometown • State • Social Identity…. WHAT IS MULTICULTURALISM:
- 11. WHAT IS “IDENTITY” The AMERICAN Heritage Dictionary (1993) defines identity as “a set of behavioral or personal characteristics by which an individual is recognizable as a member of a group.”
- 12. WHO AM I? THE COMPLEXITY OF IDENTITY • “The salience of particular aspects of our identity varies at different moments in our lives” (Tatum, 1997). • “The parts of our identity that do capture our attention are those that other people notice, and that reflect back to us” (1997). • “Social categories…are[/were] used to establish and maintain a particular social order” (Kirk & Okazawa- Rey, 2001). • It’s a social construction • It’s great to recognize, but don’t let it define a person
- 13. SOCIAL IDENTITIES – CATEGORIES* • Race /Ethnicity • Gender • Religion • Sexual orientation • Socioeconomic status • Age • Ability *Research has shown that these are historically the most prevalent social identities. *Also note that these are perceived identities
- 15. BUT GUESS WHAT?..... Multiculturalism is what you want to define it! • “human relations outlook based on tolerance, acceptance, collaboration, and learning to become comfortable with one’s self and diverse others.” • “advocate for marginalized groups from their own perspective, equalizing inequities through their voices.” • “integrates individuals with groups outside their own and helps them to understand the social, political, and historical influences that have shaped their identity” • “addressing inequities by promoting critical questioning, democracy, the analysis of systems of oppression, and engagement in social action.”
- 16. I DEFINE BEING MULTICULTURAL AS… A potluck where you bring who you are to the table while also enjoying the stuff that everyone else brings. This is done through celebrating, educating, and advocating. YOUR TURN! Take a couple minutes to define your own definition of being multicultural
- 17. SO IN ESSENCE… • We are ALL multicultural • We have our own stories that can be told • We are not all the same • Be proud of your identity, but don’t let social construction keep you in a CLOSED box • Be an OPEN box – reveal what is inside AND take in information
- 18. QUICKLY: -ISMS, STEREOTYPES, OPPRESSION, MICROAGGRESSIONS What Are They?
- 19. WHY DOES HAVING MULTICULTURAL UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANT AS AN RA? ?
- 20. WHAT IS ONE MAJOR WAY YOU CAN BECOME MULTICULTURALLY COMPETENT? BECOME AN ALLY Do this By…. Educating Celebrating Advocating
- 21. AN ALLY An ally is someone who stands up and speaks out against hate, prejudice and discrimination against others. A white person can be an anti-racist ally, for example, and a man can be an antisexist ally.
- 22. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ALLY People who are confident in his/her own group status and who are comfortable and proud of his/her own identity. People who take responsibility for learning about his/her own heritage and that of other’s culture and experiences. People who acknowledge that “unearned privilege” is received by members of some groups in society and work to change unearned privileges into responsibility and rights for all. People who recognize that unlearning prejudice and oppressive behaviors is a lifelong process and welcome every opportunity to learn more.
- 23. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ALLY People who are willing to take risks, try on new thoughts and behaviors, and act in spite of fear or resistance from others. People who act against social injustice out of a belief that it is in his/her own self-interest to do so. (Rather than out of pity or to “help” others.) People who are willing to make mistakes, learn from them, and try again. People who are open to being confronted about his/her own behaviors and attitudes and consider change and growth – without being defensive and in denial.
- 24. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ALLY People who work to understand the connections between all forms of oppression. People who believe they can make a difference by speaking out against all forms of oppression – whether or not they are directly affected and part of the group being oppressed. People who know how to build strong support and relationships with other allies to make a positive difference.
- 25. REFLECTION QUESTIONS Discuss the meaning of, “I do not see color/gender/sexual orientation/etc” when talking or interacting with others. Why is it important not to say that? How will you personally develop yourself more in this subject matter? How specifically might you work to increase or achieve multicultural competence on your floor/unit/suites?
- 26. RWU CAMPUS RESOURCES • Women’s Center • Intercultural Center • Multicultural Affairs • International Affairs • Spiritual Life • LGBTQ&Q Student Affairs • Locker Room • Student Advocacy • Student Accessibility Services
- 29. THANK YOU!