I found my social
location project to be quite interesting. I did not expect to find
representations of the key terms at the FCS. By looking at the store through a
new lens, I am more aware of just how social constructions of gender and
intersectionality of race, class, and gender are at work in my environment. I
have come to look at many places that I visit through new eyes and I relate
what I see to others to increase their awareness. I have come to realize that
inequality resides everywhere. It is entangled in the history of society and
has become the norm. It is normal to marginalize aspects of society that does
not fall into a binary category. A person is either a woman or a man. If they
do not fall within either of those categories then their existence, and in turn
their struggle, is ignored. A person is either black or white. Those who fall
within those shades of gray are ignored. The only way to make inequalities
minimal or obsolete is to take the path of least resistance. It is so easy to
reap the benefits of being white, cisgender, heterosexual, etc. But what those
who reap the benefits fail to see at times is that they too are participating in
an oppressive system by doing nothing to eliminate the oppression of others.
In my social location, I saw a lot of inequalities. Some
solutions are simple, but other solutions (i.e. solving the social
constructions of gender) require us to look outside of the FCS and at society
as a whole. Simple solutions include:
· * Have a more diverse selection of Jesus
portrayals. Instead of having just a white Jesus, have Jesus portrayed as
individuals from other cultures.
· * Instead of separating the black figurines from
the white figurines, display them mingled together.
· * Ensure that all love is portrayed and cherished.
Love should not be limited to just certain races and love that represents
heteronormativity
· * Figurines of color should not be sexualized
because of their race, and should not be a representation of stereotypes.
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