Though I see the importance of individuality, self- confidence, and the need to be independent (Quinn, 2008), I still believe in the importance of corroboration, collaboration, and interdependence. To a certain degree, we are all independent; however, to a larger magnitude we are not. For instance, as I write this blog, my ability to sustain internet connection and power supply is heavily reliant upon both my cable and power companies’ technological ability to sustain and maintain ample power supply. Though it appears, I am in my room working on this assignment in solitude, indeed, I am really not alone. Even in my solace, I still carry along the thoughts, opinions, and reflective narratives of those closest to me. Perhaps these concepts are just fragments of my imagination?
Another thought comes as a response to Quinn’s discussions on the role of women teachers’ and the “role strain” they encounter. I believe that men can and often experience these same nervous tensions, particularly minority men. On any given day, I, a minority male professional have to engage in, navigate through an academic world consisting of predominately - white, middle to upper class professionals. Along with that society, comes a set of ideals, beliefs, and perspectives in which I am expected to govern myself by. On the contrary, as soon as the clock strikes 4:30 p.m. and my shift ends for that day, I must begin to alter my thoughts, my role, my dialect, and my conversation in order to relate to both “Pookey” and “Ray – Ray”, who live in my neighborhood. This can be stressful and sometimes frustrating. Perhaps this is an example of the “role strain” that Quinn shares in her piece about ‘Postmodern Teachers’ and the tensions they face both as female-teachers and as mothers.
The frustration comes knowing that this, a continual cycle of tensions and dynamics has the impossibility of ending. So, I find myself pretending. Talk about Role Strain – at least Quinn and the several ladies she interviewed have a chance for theirs (Role Strain) to end. For example, a woman who is with child will eventually have the baby. The baby grows up and eventually is out on his/ her own. However, as for me, my roles of tensions, strains, and angst have the overwhelming possibility of lasting much longer than 9 months - the time it takes a woman to bear a child. Marginalization has no deadline or does it?
Just as the teachers in Quinns’ “Constructivist Cosmopolitan” piece found themselves’ juggling the daunting and challenging roles of wife, mother, and professional, I, too, am doing a tight-rope act of my own. I am juggling my role as husband, educational professional, minority male, and on-and-on. And through my life experiences and cultural differences, I have learned to appreciate the struggle for acceptance, inclusion, and the right to be heard. Having understood and continuing to understand some of the historical foundations of racial discrimination, has given me another vantage point from which to envision and tell my narrative. According to (Tupper& Cappello) stories and counter stories can serve as a road map that will lead the colonialized away from unjustified exclusion.
As I close, I would like to bring attention to this quote from the reading of (Tupper& Cappello, 2008) and I quote,
“We are what we know. We are, however, also what we don’t know. If we know about ourselves-our history, our culture, our national identity-is deformed by absences, denials, and incompleteness, then our identity … is fragmented.”
No more fragmented identity for me. No more dyconsciousness of the mind whereby uncritical habits of the mind produces distorted images, perspectives, and a societal order that corroborates with exploitation and inequality. This way of seeing the world shuts down the ‘pursuit of happiness’ for those who may have an alternate vision of what society should look like or could feel like. Without the narratives of others, our world-view or our historical consciencesness is left with holes, empty spaces, or even worse – ‘Fragmented’.
Johnny Smith
Comments (1)
Johnny, I do agree with you that most, if not all of us, face the daily challenge of wearing multiple hats simultaneously. Of course it isn't a specifically feminine struggle. However, I appreciated the article's female perspective and exploration of the "nurturing" expectation of women's social roles. Women (especially those of us in helping professions) know what it means to be all at once shouldered with care-taking roles in several arenas of life. And as a new mother, I can say for certain that after 9 months, yes, the baby is birthed, but that is only the beginning of a lifetime role as nurturer. Bearing the child is only the beginning. The role "tensions, strains, and angst" (as you describe) of motherhood don't have time limits. Children grow up and go out into the world, but their mamas will always be mamas. Some identity "fragments" don't change with time.
There are roles we are born into, those we choose for ourselves, and those that choose us. How we wear the hat, or fill the shoes, or manage all the costume changes -- that's where all the hard work is done. Wearing all the clothes at once? Can it be done? I seem to recall that Super(wo)man always had an S on his chest, under the button-down shirt. (But where did he hide his cape?)
ps. Of course I would prefer a female comparison, but since Wonder Woman was only ever dressed in skimpy undergarment-like outfits, the Superman image fit better. Open to other superheroine suggestions though.
Posted by marisa | June 30, 2009 1:27 PM
Posted on June 30, 2009 13:27