"Am I The Only One?" Seminar

I very much enjoyed the rich discussion surrounding multiple identities and how individuals personally navigate, and negotiate, their various identities. I especially enjoyed the personal accounts of the panel, revealing their experiences with their racial, sexual, religious, etc. identities. There was one panel member, in particular, whose story I was can personally relate to. She described the way in which she navigates between her American identity and her Saudi identity. She was eloquent in her speech and she revealed that rather than try to mesh these two identities, she comfortably treats these two idenities as separate entities, whereby while in America, she adheres to the customs, traditions, and culture, and in Saudi Arabia, she immediately puts on her Burka and is comfortable in that setting. As she spoke about her experience, I couldn't help but to think about how similar her experience is to those who are minority groups in this country. I find that as a Black woman, who was born and reared in America, I, too, have to navigate between two identities and be comfortable with it. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, I understand that I am rare in that I not only attended college, but I am in the process of earning a PhD. My family still lives in the area and when I return home, I often visit and connect with folks I grew up with. My body language, speech, mannerisms, and overall aura, changes once I'm back home. However, once I step outside of that "culture" and enter my academic environment, or just a predominantly White environment, I then act accordingly. Again, my speech changes, my body language is different, and my mannerisms appear to be a bit more subtle. These are the two worlds that I navigate. I've had to do this in order to survive in both worlds. So, while the young lady spoke about her experience, though my family and I are American-born citizens, I still feel as though that I have to "put on" for both cultures.

After the panel spoke, we then were tasked to form small groups and identify the most optimal reaction in a given situation regarding identities and race. My group quickly identified "Assertive Accommodation" orientation being the most effective response to a sensitive situation. However, before we were able to discuss each group's selection, the fire alarm sounded and we were asked to evacuate the building. So, I immediately grabbed my things (including another rice krispy treat and lemonade) and headed towards my car.

The seminar went well and I enjoyed learning about others' lives and experiences.