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.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to the Video Lecture on Identity Complexity

Professor Sexton introduces the video lecture on the topic of identity, suggesting two methods for engaging with the material: reading the essay first or watching the lecture, and vice versa. The professor emphasizes that the lectures will not cover the essays in detail but will highlight main points raised by the authors. The focus is on Tatum's essay, which discusses the complexity of identity shaped by various factors such as race, sex, age, class, sexuality, religion, socioeconomic status, language, and upbringing. The professor invites students to consider their own identities and how they are influenced by dominant and subordinate groups.

05:00

🔍 Exploring Dominant and Subordinate Groups in Identity

The second paragraph delves into the concept of dominant and subordinate groups within the context of identity. Tatum's essay suggests that individuals from dominant groups may not prioritize their group status when defining their identity, unlike those from subordinate groups who often list their race, gender, or sexuality first. The professor uses examples such as gay men and white women to illustrate how individuals can belong to both dominant and subordinate groups simultaneously. The essay encourages students to reflect on their identities and consider the perspectives of those in different social groups. It also poses thought-provoking questions about identity and self-perception, urging students to examine their own identities beyond the influence of the lecture and essay.

Keywords

💡Identity

Identity refers to the characteristics and qualities that define a person, encompassing aspects such as race, sex, age, class, sexuality, religion, and socioeconomic status. In the video, identity is the central theme, as it is shaped by various factors and influences from the environment. The script mentions that identity is complex and multifaceted, as seen in the exercise where students list their identities, with race, sex, and sexuality often being the first descriptors for those in subordinate groups.

💡Dominant Group

A dominant group is a social category that holds more power and privilege within a society, often setting the norms and expectations. The video discusses how members of dominant groups may not feel the need to identify themselves by these attributes first, such as a white person not listing their race as the primary aspect of their identity. This concept is integral to understanding the dynamics of power and privilege in relation to identity.

💡Subordinate Group

Subordinate groups are those that are marginalized or less powerful within a society, often having to navigate social structures that favor the dominant group. In the script, subordinate groups are highlighted through the example of students of color listing their race first in an identity exercise, indicating a heightened awareness of their identity in relation to societal norms.

💡Psychological Exercise

The psychological exercise mentioned in the script involves students writing 'I am' and then filling in adjectives to describe themselves within 60 seconds. This exercise serves to illustrate the immediate and instinctive aspects of identity that individuals recognize and prioritize, revealing insights into how identity is perceived and articulated.

💡Media Representation

Media representation refers to how different groups are portrayed in media such as films, TV shows, and print journalism. The video discusses the prevalence of dominant group images in media and the stereotypical or limited representation of subordinate groups. This concept is key to understanding how societal perceptions of identity are influenced and shaped.

💡Stereotypes

Stereotypes are oversimplified and generalized ideas about a group of people. In the context of the video, stereotypes are mentioned as a way that subordinate groups are often represented in media, which can perpetuate misunderstandings and reinforce social inequalities. The script suggests that there has been some change in recent times towards more diverse and authentic representations.

💡Socioeconomic Status

Socioeconomic status refers to an individual's or group's economic and social position within a society, often influencing their access to resources and opportunities. The script mentions socioeconomic status as one of the factors that shape identity and can place individuals in either dominant or subordinate groups, depending on their standing.

💡Intersectionality

Intersectionality is the concept that individuals can belong to multiple social categories that intersect and influence each other, affecting their experiences and identities. The video uses the example of gay men or white women to illustrate how one can be part of both dominant and subordinate groups, highlighting the complexity of identity formation.

💡Self-Identification

Self-identification is the process by which individuals recognize and define themselves in terms of their personal characteristics and group affiliations. The script encourages viewers to engage in self-identification through the exercise of listing their identities, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's own identity in relation to societal structures.

💡Reflection

Reflection, as used in the script, is the act of thinking deeply about one's own identity and experiences. The video encourages viewers to reflect on their identities, considering how they would answer questions about who they are, who they were, and who they might become, fostering a deeper understanding of the self in relation to societal categories.

💡Essentialism

Essentialism is the belief that certain characteristics are inherent to a particular group, often leading to the reinforcement of stereotypes. While not explicitly mentioned in the script, the concept is implicitly challenged by the discussion of identity complexity and the fluidity of group memberships, suggesting that identity is not fixed or essential but rather constructed and multifaceted.

Highlights

Introduction by Professor Sexton on the lecture's approach to complementing the essay with video content.

Emphasis on the importance of reading the essays independently due to the lecture not covering every detail.

Tatum's essay on the complexity of identity shaped by various factors and social interactions.

Listing of categories that affect identity, including race, sex, age, class, sexuality, religion, socioeconomic status, and language.

Observation that students of color tend to list their race first in an identity exercise, unlike those in the dominant group.

Discussion on the visibility and representation of dominant and subordinate groups in media and society.

The changing landscape of media representation of subordinate groups beyond stereotypes.

The dual nature of identity where individuals can belong to both dominant and subordinate groups simultaneously.

The concept of using personal experiences to understand the dynamics between dominant and subordinate groups.

The essay's focus on how individuals relate to others within and outside their identity groups.

Encouragement for students to reflect on their own identities and categorize themselves.

Suggestion to perform a 60-second identity listing exercise to engage with the essay's themes.

The importance of considering one's identity without the influence of the lecture or essay.

The role of video lectures as a tool for highlighting key points rather than a detailed review of the essays.

The value of the lecture in providing a framework for understanding the essays' main arguments and themes.

The conclusion of the lecture with a reminder of the video's purpose and a wish for a good day.

Transcripts

hello i'm professor sexton and this is

our video lecture on beverly dam

safe replacement identity

who am i

um there are two ways that you can watch

these videos you can either read the

essay first and then

watch the video lecture or watch the

video lecture first and then read the

essay or

watch the video lecture read the essay

watch the video lecture again

so whatever technique works for you uh

in these video lectures on the essays

that we are going to cover over the

semester i am not going to go over the

essays and exact details so i'm not

going to go

paragraph by paragraph sentence by

sentence um so it is very important that

you read the essays for yourself uh but

what i do want to do in these video

lectures is hit on some of the main uh

points that the authors raise in their

essays

so for tatum's essay the complexity of

identity she begins the essay by stating

that

the concept of identity is a complex one

that is shaped by a number of factors

and contacts

she says that it is shaped by others

around us that would be our parents our

peers the people that we encounter

uh and then she lists some

categories that affect our identities

things such as race

sex age class sexuality religion

socioeconomic uh status language where

we grew up and so all of these things uh

are things that she states shape our

identity and for most of you this is not

new information you you know this you

know that your identities are shaped by

a number of factors

but what she then does in the essay she

moves on

by talking about

dominant group and subordinate groups

and she says that in a number of her

psycho psychological psychology classes

she often gives her students an exercise

what she asks them to write

i am and then they have 67 i mean 60

seconds to fill in as many adjectives as

they can of who they are and one of the

things that she noticed in all the years

of doing this exercise is that students

of color

tend to list their race first so if

someone is black or puerto rican

or um

korean they'll list that first or

women tend to list that they are women

first or

for those people who are comfortable and

revealing their sexuality they will list

that they're gay or lesbian first

however she knows that the interesting

thing is for those people who are in the

dominant group they don't tend to list

that first so for instance a white

person would list that they are white

first or

that a um

male 1 wouldn't tend to list that he is

male first and likewise that someone who

is heterosexual

would tend to list their heterosexual

first and then she uses that to talk

about this whole sense of the dominant

groups in the subordinate groups and

that those people who belong in belong

in dominant groups don't feel the need

to put that out first and then in her

essay she kind of speculates on why that

is

and one of the things that she says is

that

for

most people the dominant images are the

images that we see often displayed back

to us if you look at media

films tv shows uh print journalism uh

you get plenty of images of white people

you get plenty images of heterosexuals

or you get plenty images of males

um but the subordinate group um

she says that you don't often see those

images or if you do

they're presented in a stereotypical way

now

some of you may argue that that has

changed a lot

since the publication of this essay uh

because i do think um that now with a

number of tv shows and a number of

movies we are seeing those subordinate

groups uh displayed more and not just in

terms of stereotypes that we see them in

you know the full range of um their

experiences and how

they live their lives and so just one

narrative um but for the sake of

argument and for tatum's essay let's

just go on with that

and so this is what her essay is really

about

is about this relationship between the

dominant groups and the subordinate

groups but then she also makes a point

of saying that no one person

tends to fall in just one of those

groups and that some people can be both

a member of a dominant group and a

subordinate group and for instance take

that to element and take example gay men

um

their sex as male

put them in a dominant group but their

sexuality is gay will put them in a

subordinate group um take this situation

of white women uh being white will put

them in the dominant group but then

being women puts them in a subordinate

group and so she says that for a number

of people uh they kind of

straddle both for those categories that

she's talking about dominant and

subordinate and one of the arguments

that she makes is

that what a lot of people can do is if

they finding it difficult to understand

a subordinating group

then maybe what they'll need to look at

is

how it feels for them to hold both parts

i mean

look at me for instance i'm black and a

male so

i myself i am in two groups uh

my male status puts me in a dominant

group my blackness put me in a

subordinating group but then i'm also of

a certain socioeconomic status that puts

me in a dominant group um you know where

i live puts me in a dominant group so

there are some different factors there

and so all of these things according to

tatum is what makes up us make up our

identity but her essay is not focused

just on our identity her essay is

focused really on how we relate to

others uh those who belong in our group

and those who

are not in our group and so as you're

reading the essay or re-reading the

essay pay attention to the various

things that she uh brings up concerning

that and in the essay too she asked a

number of questions um that she never

answers but you know questions of who am

i now

who was i before who will i become and

so in a lot of ways when you're reading

this essay

what i want you to do is i want you to

think of your own identities uh how you

would classify yourself i mean i you

know the experiment that she does with

her students where she gives them 60

seconds to list all their identities you

know that might be a good practice for

you to do this is not something that you

have to do for me and sign in but this

is a good practice to kind of get into

her essay and what she's discussing

maybe you should take 60 seconds and

just think about it and just write now i

know

haven't read the essay and having

watched the video lecture you might be

somewhat influenced by what you've heard

here and what you read in your essay but

if you can try not to let that influence

you i mean try to think about how you

would answer those questions how you not

answered uh have you not read this essay

or watch this video lecture so once

again i want to reiterate

these video lectures on the essays are

not going to be very detailed i'm not

going to go through them paragraph by

paragraph uh sentence by sentence it's

just me giving you some highlights of

some things that you want to pay

attention to i hope that this is helpful

and

have a good day bye