Irving T. Summary Two
SUMMARY
Goodman gives readers a tool to conceptualize key aspects about intersections in our identities. The Tapestry Model (TM) takes the concept found in weaving a tapestry and applies it both figuratively with the option of physical manifestations. As stated by Goodman she begins by providing background about the context of this model in how people experience social identities within systems of structural inequalities. As Goodman relates, this exists in both micro levels, such as a personal social identity and macro level, such as in systems of power.
After a few pages, Goodman provides ways the TM model can be used as a reflective tool to check one's privilege or lack thereof. Goodman provides the example stated in Rivere-Zijdel’s (2009) article about a disabled, lesbian, woman who at times experiences homophobia in the context of religious women’s group and circles made of people who are disabled. However, in the LGBT environment, she experienced difficulty regarding her disability. Further examples are provided between pages 103 and 106. The article concludes providing examples of how the model can be utilized by counselors and educators in the classroom, particularly in higher education. Options of literal TM model representations (by weaving) or figuratively TM model representation (by dialogue) are represented in the final paragraphs.
RESPONSE
Identity, privilege, and/or oppression can be easier to express when using the TM model as it allows a visual representation and a hands-on method of exploring elements of intersectionality of identity and social constructs. As an educator, I can see this as an additional resource to use with students. As a grad student, it especially helps my research of overlapping identities found in undocu-queer individuals. Sometimes people find it hard to express their struggles in society so I see Goodman’s model as a helpful tool to bring about conversations regarding issues that can be difficult to express and delve into. I agree with Goodman when she writes about the two realms of personal identity vs. a system of power that can influence, oppress or empower certain communities. Is social media one of these systems of powers? Are companies like Facebook or orgs such as The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation systems of power? Finally, I accept the invitation Goodman offers about expanding, adapting and utilizing this TM model. Perhaps, I will use it in my final projects for finding intersections among immigrant communities and LGBTQ+ individuals.
QUOTATIONS
“The Tapestry Model (TM) uses the metaphor of weaving a tapestry to explicate some of the main tenets of an intersectional framework and other aspects of how people experience social identities within larger systems of structural inequality.”
“[about intersectional theory] It is evolving to also look at how privileged identities and the experiences of privilege intersect with one’s other identities and experiences, both privileged and marginalized (Kimmel & Ferber, 2014; Pliner & Banks, 2012).”
“Certain identities are in the foreground, while other are in the background.”
“…if a Black women’s class identity and status change (going from working class to upper middle class), it does not change her race, being Black but it does form a new dynamic between her class identity and racial identity; being an upper-middle-class Black Woman creates a different sense of self, life experience, and degree of privilege/ oppression than being a working-class Black Woman.”
“Asking people to think about the new intersectional colors and designs created refocuses their attention on the more challenging task of how identities and inequalities simultaneously interact rather than the impact of each identity separately.”
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| Pictures of Tapestry: Tapestry close up; |
Kimmel, M., & Ferber A. (2014). Privilege: A reader (3rd ed.). Boulder, CO: Westview.
Pliner, S. & Banks, C. (2012). Teaching, learning and intersecting identities in higher education. New York, NY: Peter Lang.
The intersectionality theory is one that I have a particular interest in. Many feminists, marxists, etc. fail to realize that individuals inhabit more than a single identity. For instance, when the suffragettes were fighting for women's right to vote, they excluded women of color. Although they were fighting for women's rights, they did not include women that differed from them. Intersectionality recognizes that an individual can inhabit many groups. Reading your summary of Goodman intrigued me because she is trying to bring these issues to the forefront. Her Tapestry Model sounds like a useful tool.
ReplyDeleteHi Ivonne, yes I agree. Very useful tool. It was one of the articles suggested by Dr. Noe. Thanks for the comment.
DeleteI find this fascinating. In terms of identity, I think that we tend to overlook the ways that oppression and discrimination affect how we see ourselves and others.
ReplyDeleteI like the quote, “…if a Black women’s class identity and status change (going from working class to upper middle class), it does not change her race, being Black but it does form a new dynamic between her class identity and racial identity; being an upper-middle-class Black Woman creates a different sense of self, life experience, and degree of privilege/ oppression than being a working-class Black Woman.”
The first part of the quote reminds me of an article I read in an earlier class. The article discussed Standard English as the academic language. There was an anecdote from a student that said she worked hard to eliminate her accent, perfect her English, she was smart and fit in with other high achieving students, she dressed like others, and pretty much gave up her cultural identity as to avoid being 'the Other.' However, she wrote that in the end, her skin always betrayed her. So even though one may move up in their class, their skin color still marks them as 'the Other.' I found that extremely sad. This individual gave up her identity to match the identity of others but no matter what, they still treated her differently because of her skin color.