Intersectionality 2.1

After reading Analiese’s post, it made me feel very content and proud to see a friend, as well as a classmate, feel so understood and represented. The pathos appeal present in her post easily translated her enlightenment as she sat in on the Annual Hip-Hop Symposium. It’s reassuring to know and understand that someone else thinks about intersectionality just as much as I do.

Something that stood out and that I learned from Analiese’s post was how she prefers to use “Black” instead of “African-American.” I’ve been trained and taught that “African-American” is academically correct and that is the term that should be used instead of “Black.” It was eye-opening to ready why Analiese prefers the using of “Black” due to her Carribean heritage. Similarly, I sometimes have trouble explaining my own race and ethnicity when asked. When stating “Indian,” I sometimes add the term “Asian” or “South Asian,” which happens to confuse people even more. This is due to, assumingly, not thinking of “darker” complexions to be considered “Asian.” The Asian stereotype that is set in some people’s minds are North Asia and their specific features and cultures. Due to being seen as the “other,” language plays a crucial role in how I choose to identify myself to others.

Along with the language, my own intersectionality is something I contemplate with on a daily basis. Similar to Analiese, my gender, race, and ethnicity are all interdependent aspects of my identity. It has taken me some time during my upbringing to acknowledge the fact that it is okay to not identify as “white” or “black.” That perhaps my narrative isn’t discussed as much or a “norm” that is taught at school as a part of state standards, but is still valid.

As I regret missing out on such an important conversation (and an extra credit opportunity), I am so lucky to have read such a positive blog post with a strong pathos appeal from my classmate. It’s reassuring to realize that I am not the only one who struggles with expressing and validating identity.

One Reply to “Intersectionality 2.1”

  1. I relate to how you feel Neha. It can be a struggle to find people that understand you or take time to listen to. In fact, my family has argued it is impossible for people to fully understand you. Regardless, validation is a reassuring feeling and the validation you feel from Analiese’s post is reassuring that we are not alone in humanity’s struggle to find happiness.

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