This may sound weird or a little nerdy, but for some reason I have always been engrossed by the meanings behind names. I just think it's interesting to think about why a person was named what they were and whether they find identity in their name's meaning. Names raise questions such as 'Did their parents want their child to grow into their name or did it just happen to be a family name?'
I was named Kristina after my great-grandmother on my mother's side. My mom had a special connection with her grandma as a child and wanted to honor her memory. My parents also really liked the meaning of my name and hoped that it was name that would fit my personality well. Kristina in most languages means "Christian" or "Follower of Christ." I believe that this meaning accurately represents me. I have grown up in a Christina household and try to live my life in a way that God would be proud of. I place a large amount of my identity on my religion because it is something that I find to be very important. Funny thing actually, I'm writing this blog post so late because I chose to go to youth group at my church tonight instead of doing homework. That may not have been the wisest decision, but I enjoyed the fellowship at youth and learning about God.
The idea of being an individual within a larger group of individuals is an interesting concept. Individuals often alter how they behave to fit into the larger group. You could potentially have a larger group filled with individuals who are acting nothing like they would if they were acting as an individual if they were alone. So are you truly acting as yourself when you are in a group or when you are an individual? If you act differently in different groups, then which group most accurately represents you? That's kind of mind blowing to think about.
If you asked different people to describe me, they would probably tell you different things. My close friends would probably describe me as someone who likes to have a good time and joke around a bit. If you asked an acquaintance of mine though, they might describe me as being more shy and reserved. When I am in a larger group with my friends, I feel more comfortable to open up and be more outgoing. It's easy to be around people who know you and have been with you through many life experiences. Friendships have a rhythm to them and offer security. When I am in a group setting with people I don't know as well, I tend to hold back and not show my full personality because I have a fear being judged. I won't voice my opinions or offer suggestions when surrounded by people who aren't close friends of mine. Eventually though, once I get to know the people better, I become my normal and crazy self.
Another interesting concept to think about is that of being an individual person within the larger group classification of 'teenager'. I could be a perfectly well-behaved person but one may view me as rebellious simply because of the fact that I am a teenager who spends time with other teenagers. When individuals are a part of a larger whole stereotypes come into play. I believe that this leads to the problem of lost self-identity for the individual and also creates an unhealthy group mentality. If people classify a group of teenagers as being rowdy and rebellious, then the individual teenager will use "I'm just teenagers" as an excuse for his or her rebelliousness.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Othering
We are the Other, South Minneapolis, MN, (2012-2013)
When I first saw this picture, I noticed the chalkboards that the two people are holding and the words that are written on the chalkboards. The chalkboard on the left says "People think I'm in a gang I'm in college" and the one the right say "1.Pull your pants up 2. Stay out of the wrong place 3. Be more careful." I also noticed what the people are wearing in the photograph. Both have on red jackets and appear to be dressed for cold weather. The location of the photograph is also interesting. It seems to be a convenience store selling snack food and clothing apparel.
Upon further examination of the photo I began to analyze the big picture and the message that Wing Young Hule was trying to portray. Both of the chalk boards were written as a result of racial stereotypes against African Americans. The male in the photograph accuses the general public of stereotyping him as a gang member when in reality he is a college student. The stereotype is based on the man's outside appearance. This includes his race and how he dresses. The women's chalk board is formatted as if they are rules that she is to follow in order to be best suited for the environment around her. The list is influenced by many racial stereotypes such as the misconception that all African Americans sag their pants. The list of rules also implies that it is very important that African Americans to always be extra aware of their surroundings and what activities are going on. These rules could be influenced by crime in the area and written as a warning for one's safety. One could also interpret as being a warning regarding police in the are and possible discrimination.
Both Wing Young Hule and Margaret Atwood portray "othering" by building off stereotypes and focusing on how stereotypes can cause isolation between different groups of people. Wing Young Hule shows in her photograph the division between African Americans and other races. These stereotypes are formed in part by the fact that some people view people of another race as being completely different as themselves. The way some people view African Americans causes hostility and prejudices to form causing further alienation. Instead of judging a race as a whole, one should get to know the individual. Margaret Atwood shows in The Handmaids Tale, the division between Handmaids and the Wives due to stereotypes. In the book, Offred mentions how many of the wives view Handmaids as being sexually promiscuous women who were beneath them. In return, Handmaids viewed the Wives as being cold and heartless women who really had no significant value in society. Wing Young Hule and Margaret Atwood differ due to the fact that Wing Young Hule focused more on racial stereotypes whereas Margaret Atwood portrayed social stereotypes.
Upon further examination of the photo I began to analyze the big picture and the message that Wing Young Hule was trying to portray. Both of the chalk boards were written as a result of racial stereotypes against African Americans. The male in the photograph accuses the general public of stereotyping him as a gang member when in reality he is a college student. The stereotype is based on the man's outside appearance. This includes his race and how he dresses. The women's chalk board is formatted as if they are rules that she is to follow in order to be best suited for the environment around her. The list is influenced by many racial stereotypes such as the misconception that all African Americans sag their pants. The list of rules also implies that it is very important that African Americans to always be extra aware of their surroundings and what activities are going on. These rules could be influenced by crime in the area and written as a warning for one's safety. One could also interpret as being a warning regarding police in the are and possible discrimination.
Both Wing Young Hule and Margaret Atwood portray "othering" by building off stereotypes and focusing on how stereotypes can cause isolation between different groups of people. Wing Young Hule shows in her photograph the division between African Americans and other races. These stereotypes are formed in part by the fact that some people view people of another race as being completely different as themselves. The way some people view African Americans causes hostility and prejudices to form causing further alienation. Instead of judging a race as a whole, one should get to know the individual. Margaret Atwood shows in The Handmaids Tale, the division between Handmaids and the Wives due to stereotypes. In the book, Offred mentions how many of the wives view Handmaids as being sexually promiscuous women who were beneath them. In return, Handmaids viewed the Wives as being cold and heartless women who really had no significant value in society. Wing Young Hule and Margaret Atwood differ due to the fact that Wing Young Hule focused more on racial stereotypes whereas Margaret Atwood portrayed social stereotypes.
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