Components of Our Identity by Tatum

Introduction

Tatum rationalizes that one’s identity is molded by many components in one’s life and falls back on how one is perceived by others. Tatum explains that each component of our identity differentiates us because we are constantly identified through our race, ethnicity, gender, and more. All of our identities have each form of oppression, and we are both dominant and subordinate simultaneously. Tatum then describes what subordinates face when compared to dominants (Tatum, 1997).

Understanding Oppression and Privilege

Oppression occurs in each classification and seems to correspond to subordination mostly. For the dominant group, they are oppressors, which equates them to enjoying privileges, earned or unearned. Tatum articulates that we would discover ourselves being dominant and targeted simultaneously in our multiple identities, or rather, multiple allegiances. For example, Singaporean Chinese can be classified as the dominant, as the mother tongue policy has systematically provided them with more working opportunities. However, Chinese from other countries, such as China, may not have the same privileges. In another case, a Singaporean Malay may not share as many work opportunities compared to a Singaporean Chinese, though they both enjoy the same citizenship privilege. These disparities highlight the complex interplay of social structures and individual experiences.

Overlooking Privilege

Tatum states that those who are in the dominant group usually overlook the part of their identity and take it for granted. For instance, we tend to take being able-bodied for granted and not mention being able-bodied to someone. Also, in a dominant-subordinate relationship, the subordinate will often be classified as flawed or inadequate. A typical case would be women in the military, where we rarely see women on the frontline. This is because men are generally perceived as stronger than women, so women might be assigned light duties if they are in the military because women are viewed as weaker in strength. If a woman gets offered career opportunities, she might doubt her ability to take up the position. This internalized doubt can hinder progress and reinforce stereotypes (Tatum, 1997).

Internalization of Oppression

As Tatum states, targeted groups internalize the idea that the dominants demonstrate to them and may find it hard to believe in their capacity to perform. These oppressions are much influenced by stereotypes that society has. Another instance would be foreign workers giving up their seats to Singaporeans while taking public transport; the act of them giving up their seats to Singaporeans shows that they have internalized that they are not of equal standing as Singaporeans. In addition, Tatum also explains that when subordinates tend to focus on the dominant group closely, they focus little on themselves. In this case, foreign workers are focused on giving up their seats for Singaporeans that they fail to realize that they are also human beings who have dignity and honor and are equally entitled to the seats on public transport (Tatum, 1997).

Denial of Inequality

Tatum also mentions that when dominants deny the presence of inequality, some may think that they share similarities and sometimes, a collective experience. However, the dominants will never be able to experience how subordinates are oppressed. For example, a born-rich child cannot experience how a poor child may be fretting over how to scrimp and save or having to think twice when buying a pen. A Singaporean may correlate to foreign workers' experience of taking public transport in Singapore, but they do not experience the challenges foreign workers have to face. This lack of understanding can perpetuate systemic inequities and hinder progress towards equality (Tatum, 1997).

Conclusion

To conclude, all these oppressions of sorts occur every day in society. But with our multiple allegiances that make us both dominant and subordinate simultaneously, it is necessary that we understand our identities fully. This way, we can recognize the oppression in others and make efforts to play our part to make the society we live in a better one by overcoming oppression faced by others as well as ourselves. By acknowledging and addressing these dynamics, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable society for all (Tatum, 1997).

References

Tatum, B. D. (1997). Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race. Basic Books.