Social Constructs - Part 1

Social constructs - what are some examples: gender, race?

I would qualify a social construct as any category that subordinates a population based upon a bodily feature such as sex or skin-color. It is immediately evident that these categories reinforce a social hierarchy in which "the other" is a subjected person. Bodies are subjected and hegemonic practices are reproduced in part due to the dominant population's ability to nominate the subordinate class. There is power in appropriating the ability to name something - the utilization of language, words, as their associated connotations. For example, referring to a man as a "woman" performs the work of emasculating a male. For a male, being called a "woman" may refer to the absence of power (both physically, socially, and economically) and the pretense of being a passive subject ready to be penetrated (yes, this is a sexual reference). Conversely, if a woman is referred to as a "man," she is something unnatural - a monster. In many environments or cultures, women in positions of are considered to be monstrous; the presence of "the other" is unnatural within the hegemonic order.

Quotes: Muhammad Ali

"Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even."

"The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights."

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."

The Monster Within…

Am I a monster? Yes and no…

There are two definitions of the “monster” that deserve attention in regards to this conversation:

1. “one who deviates from normal or acceptable behavior or character”

2. “one that is highly successful”

The key idea behind the first definition is cultural relevancy. As an anthropology major, I’ve learned that cultural norms differ from place to place. For example, in terms of greetings, in America it is generally unacceptable for men to kiss each other on the cheek, but commonplace in many countries overseas. Therefore, I have to examine at my monstrosity in reference to my various environments. In Princeton, I know that I am not the norm. Right off the back, as a black male, many times I feel as though “I am the other” and that makes me a monster – a subject of attention and fascination. Many times in the classroom, I have had the “black representative” moment (I am not even going to explain this). Moreover, I do not speak, dress, act, or even think like a “normal” Princeton student. I know that it is difficult to define what is normal in Princeton, but there is a norm/standard that exists. I’m not in line with that norm – and I’m fine with that.

Now here’s the aspect of my monstrosity that hurts. When I’m home, as much as I try, I cannot readjust to the norm. For the most part, my hometown friends still live in the area and attend local colleges. They see each other all the time; conversely, I feel like an outsider every time I return home and hang out with them. This does not decrease the love I have for my friends, nor does it dampen my anticipation of spending time with them – it just feels as though we live in two different worlds. Sometimes, I wish that still lived in their world, the world that I left. During these instances, I say to myself, “what I wouldn’t give to be in Maryland.” Simultaneously, it is at these times when I consider the second definition of monster: “one that is highly successful.”

Amongst other reasons, I came to Princeton in order to enhance my opportunities to be “highly successful.” Drawing from French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, the institution known as Princeton has social and cultural capital within American society; anyone who attends and graduates from Princeton will gain access to that capital. I came to Princeton in order to participate in a self-improvement project, in which I felt I would have the opportunity to grow into an aware and socially-conscious change agent. This self improvement project is an ongoing and continuing process. It’s about learning from every professor in class and every interaction with my peers. It’s also about learning what it feels like to be the other. One of my favorite Cornel West quotes is “in order to love the people, you have to serve the people.” Taking that a step further, in order to love someone you have to understand and appreciate the experience from which he or she originates. I’m learning what being a monster feels like (1^st definition), in order to become a monster (2^nd definition).

So the question stands: Am I a monster?

Yes, but not yet the monster I want to be.

Monster

Main Entry: ¹mon·ster

Pronunciation: \ˈmän(t)-stər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English monstre, from Anglo-French, from Latin monstrum omen, monster, from monēre to warn — more at mind

Date: 14th century

1 a : an animal or plant of abnormal form or structure b : one who deviates from normal or acceptable behavior or character
2 : a threatening force
3 a : an animal of strange or terrifying shape b : one unusually large for its kind
4 : something monstrous; especially : a person of unnatural or extreme ugliness, deformity, wickedness, or cruelty
5 : one that is highly successful

Raheem DeVaughn Featuring Ludacris - Bulletproof

"Load It, Cock It, Aim and Shoot
Load It, Cock It, Aim and Shoot"

I can't get this track out of my head. "Bulletproof" is a love song - a different type of love that is exemplified by an individual's love for the people. This song talked to me - Raheem asked me where's my commitment to my brothers and sisters; where's my commitment to this ongoing democratic project which we call America.

"Living like we bulletproof"

Where I’ve Been

It’s been a while since I’ve written for this blog. And why is that: I’ve been living. Next question: what does living consist of?

· Studying, writing papers, and attending classes

· Contributing to the Fields Center (Princeton’s multicultural center)

· Organizing and attending parties at my eating club (Quad)

· Advising my freshmen advisees

· Eating, sleeping, and playing video games

So all of this living (including a few other small things), has prevented me from my regular blogging. Fortunately, I’m on spring break and have some time to write some entries…. Time to get started!