Video Lecture on "The Complexity of Identity Who Am I?" FA22

Summary

Professor Sexton's lecture delves into the intricate nature of identity, highlighting how it's influenced by various factors like race, sex, age, and class. The lecture emphasizes the distinction between dominant and subordinate groups, noting that members of dominant groups often don't prioritize their status in self-identification. Tatum's essay explores the complex interplay between these groups and challenges readers to reflect on their own identities, encouraging a deeper understanding of how we relate to others within and outside our social groups.

Takeaways

• 📚 Professor Sexton introduces the lecture on Beverly Dam's essay, emphasizing the importance of self-study alongside video lectures.
• 🔍 The concept of identity is presented as complex and multifaceted, influenced by various factors such as race, sex, age, class, and more.
• 👥 Tatum's essay discusses the impact of dominant and subordinate groups on identity, noting that members of dominant groups may not list their status first when describing themselves.
• 🎨 Media representation is highlighted as a factor that reinforces the visibility and normalcy of dominant groups, often at the expense of subordinate groups.
• 🤔 The essay prompts reflection on personal identity, encouraging students to consider how they would describe themselves in 60 seconds.
• 🔄 Tatum suggests that individuals can belong to both dominant and subordinate groups simultaneously, complicating the understanding of identity.
• 🌟 The essay challenges readers to consider their own identities and how they relate to those within and outside of their groups.
• 🤝 The relationship between identity and social interaction is a central theme, with a focus on how individuals perceive and interact with others.
• 💭 Tatum raises thought-provoking questions about identity, such as 'Who am I?', 'Who was I before?', and 'Who will I become?', without providing direct answers.
• 📈 The video lecture is meant to provide highlights and main points rather than a detailed analysis of the essay, encouraging active reading and engagement with the material.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Professor Sexton's video lecture?

The main topic of the video lecture is the complexity of identity as discussed in Tatum's essay, focusing on the relationship between dominant and subordinate groups and how they shape our identities.

What are the two suggested ways to approach the video lectures and essays?

The two suggested ways are to either read the essay first and then watch the video lecture, or watch the video lecture first and then read the essay.

Why does Professor Sexton emphasize the importance of reading the essays by oneself?

Professor Sexton emphasizes this because he does not go over the essays in exact detail, paragraph by paragraph or sentence by sentence, and wants students to engage with the material directly.

What exercise does Tatum often give her students in her psychology classes?

Tatum asks her students to write 'I am' and then fill in as many adjectives as they can in 60 seconds to describe who they are.

What observation did Tatum make about students of color during the 'I am' exercise?

Tatum noticed that students of color tend to list their race first, indicating the significance of race in their identity.

Why do dominant group members not tend to list their group identity first in the 'I am' exercise?

Dominant group members may not list their identity first because they are often exposed to images and representations of their group in media, making it less of a defining characteristic for them.

How does Tatum's essay address the changing representation of subordinate groups in media?

Tatum's essay acknowledges that while there has been some change in the representation of subordinate groups, there is still a need for more accurate and diverse portrayals beyond stereotypes.

What does Tatum suggest about individuals who belong to both dominant and subordinate groups?

Tatum suggests that individuals can straddle both categories, being members of both dominant and subordinate groups, which adds complexity to their identity.

What is the significance of Tatum's essay in understanding identity?

The significance of Tatum's essay is that it explores how identity is not just about personal characteristics but also about how individuals relate to others within and outside their groups.

What reflective exercise does Professor Sexton suggest students do after watching the video lecture?

Professor Sexton suggests students take 60 seconds to list their own identities, as an exercise to engage with the essay's discussion on identity.

Why does Professor Sexton recommend students to try the 'I am' exercise without prior influence from the lecture or essay?

He recommends this to encourage students to think independently and authentically about their identities, without being influenced by the perspectives presented in the lecture or essay.