In the United States, gender, sexual orientation, class and race or ethnicity (G, SO,C,R,E) are strong identity markers and are also axes of inequality. Which of these aspects of your identity is strongest? How would you describe it and why do you think it is “strongest” or most salient?
I think my ethnicity is my strongest aspect of my identity. I describe my ethnicity as a Hispanic because I wouldn’t be who I am if I were a different one. I say this is my strongest because my characteristics show people that I come from a different ethnicity then theirs. My dark hair and brown eyes may differ from characteristics of my peers.
My race and gender intersect and shape my reality as a young Mexican American wife and a full-time college student. This can bring interdependent systems of discrimination and disadvantages compared to a White person. I feel that I may always have to work harder for a position compared to white woman or man. That doesn’t mean I deserve it anymore them the next person. I do have gratitude for being born into a strong hardworking race that hold strong values so that we can live a luxury too. Employers have a higher chance of judging me based on my ethnicity because of many stereotypes that are portrayed upon minorities.
It can also have its advantages because I cannot lie that I love being a woman and having the freedom to express myself through hairstyles, makeup, clothes, and shoes. I can say that I would have more advantages if I were to grow up with a father figure. I would be able to rely on him for emotional and financial support. I never had the advantage to ask my mother for money because she never had it. I’m okay with the fact of having to make my own money because it keeps me humbled and disciplined. I know money is important to survive but you would want to have money if you couldn’t spend it just to eat a dinner with your friends and family to catch up and socialize. I also know that money is never more important than the love you can have for a person and family.
I do believe my ethnicity does impact the way people treat me. I can tell by how people can be reluctant to come up and talk to me. It gets difficult when having to look for a group to put together for a group project. I always find myself being the first person to have to break the ice when making friends in college. I feel I have the capacity to make people feel welcomed once they get to know me. Maybe it comes from stereotypes? Maybe people think I don’t speak good English? Maybe people think I’m not smart enough because of my minority status? Or maybe people are just as shy as I am?
