Social Identity - Gabby Statia

            When asked “Who are you?”, my go-to answer is a black woman. I have always identified myself as black first because I believe it is the first thing that people see when they look at me, since it is the first thing I see when I look at others. However, I am not constantly thinking about my race. I find that I only think about it when an instance is brought up when I may feel slighted by an individual or when someone else who is also black is treated unfairly or given recognition. Society forces all of us to identify with a particular group. These groups are then generalized, often negatively perceived, so that the majority has “reasoning” for their power over the “other” group(s).

            Growing up, I felt as though I belonged because I went to an elementary school where most of my classmates looked like me. Even in middle school, where my peers were more culturally diverse, I felt comfortable because there were still many people who looked like me. Not until I got to high school was I truly aware of my race, where I felt I was labeled “other” by many of my peers. I was president of the BSU and was a part of a majority black friend group, but I also was captain of the lacrosse team, a sport that is dominated by the high socioeconomic white population. However, despite me breaking these stereotypes, I was still labeled as “other” when I was asked to move to the other side of the classroom to be photographed for the admissions brochure. Because I focus on my race as an identifier, I feel like a woman secondarily. Not to compare struggles between “other” groups, but I think that women’s movements have not included everyone that is a woman. Generally, the women a part of these groups have only their gender to fight for and are less likely to include women of “other” groups.

            While being in Zambia, I believe that I will have a slightly different experience. I am a black woman and am in a country with a majority of black women. In this respect, I think I will be “other” because I am a foreigner. Although I look like the population, they will not see me as such because I am American. My nationality and socioeconomic status may become more apparent while in country. I do not constantly feel American because it is hard to define what American is. The United States is composed of many different people with many different cultures, which is constantly evolving. Being surrounded by many people who do not necessarily identify the same way that you do is a blessing and a curse because it can make you feel diminished or unimportant because it is not the defining factor of the country, but it also exposes you to the many cultures that the world has to offer. Coming from a developed country, it is assumed that I am very privileged because I do have access to great education at an exceptional university as well as access to the world’s best resources, but I want it to be known as well that this is not my whole story.

            Even though we look the same, we do not have the same experiences, which will call into question our personal identities. In order to adapt to new situations, I try to relate to people on a personal level so that power dynamics remain balanced. When people feel threatened or lesser, it is difficult to get their full selves from interactions. By establishing mutual connections, interactions are more organic and meaningful, which is optimal.

            My social identity has motivated me to become a global citizenship. I know what it is like to be “other” and this pushes me to work for the disadvantaged. Identifying with other groups gives those groups a platform and voice that many members do not have access to. I am able to travel across the world and be myself and a representative of my country, culture, family, and school. My “other” identities give me a natural curiosity about the world. However, I still have a lot of learning to do so that I also help all “others” of the world.