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WGSS at CSUSM
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By Marisa Fenter
Throughout the first three weeks of WGSS 101, we have tackled a number of topics that have allowed us to gain a foundation for the rest of the semester. We have discussed the basics of feminism, the concept of identity, and privileges and oppressions. Overall, these topics have been very interesting and thought provoking. However, the discussions that really stuck with me were regarding identity. Although this is a topic I already had a basic understanding of, it was gripping to delve into from an academic perspective and to be able to discuss it in a class setting where there is a wide variety of opinions, experiences, and perspectives.
The discussions about identity were especially stimulating due to all the different identities present in the classroom. It is nearly impossible to have complete insight and an intimate understanding of the cultures, values, morals, etc. associated with identities we are not a part of. However, having discussions about our identities and the way they affect us as individuals and groups is important. It helps us gain a better understanding of each other. This is crucial to peaceful coexistence and the journey to a more unified world because when we develop understanding for others, we develop empathy and are more likely to get along with each other.
As stated in chapter eight of Gendered Voices, Feminist Visions, edited by Janet Lee and Susan M. Shaw, “...the family has connections to all societal institutions, and these connections help shape the kind and quality of experiences that we have as family members” (p. 407). This particular statement reflects how our families shape our connections with our society just as our connections with society shape our families. For each family, this is different. For some, like people of color, the ways in which society impacts the family is exceptionally hard to avoid as they are often targeted by the white people around them, and sometimes even other people of color, for things as simple as walking down the street, the clothes they wear, and the way they talk, things white people do every day without thinking about them.
For some, it may seem as though we wouldn’t be able to see how we are different; it may seem we only identify differences once we talk about aspects of our identity. This, however, is not the case. “In the United States our differences are illustrated by the material conditions of our lives; the values, cultures, behavioral practices, and legal structures of the communities in which we live; and even the geographic region of the country we inhabit” (Lee and Shaw 41). This often creates division whether it is based on race, class, gender, etc. and can even cause animosity between groups. These are things that we live every single day. However, they have become so deeply ingrained in our society that, even though we can now mostly point them out, to try to change them presents a challenge.
Identity can be a difficult subject to deal with. Although we want the answers to be easy, they simply aren’t. However, having conversations such as those that take place in class and educating ourselves are already steps in the right direction. Creating dialogue around subjects that can be difficult is what starts understanding; the most uncomfortable conversations often stand the best chance of creating change.
Marisa Fenter is a second year Media Studies student, currently enrolled in WGSS 101 and WGSS 380. Originally from Modesto, California, she now lives in Vista, with her aunt, so she can pursue higher education.
On Wednesday, 18 September 2019, Mexican-Palestinian-American candidate for the 50th Congressional District Ammar Campa-Najjar visited our Gender and Social Movements class, WGSS 380. He spoke about social movements and the current movement to elect more diverse representatives to the U.S. Congress. He was personable and funny and he really knows his stuff.
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