Each individual holds their own beliefs towards categories of difference. Some of these beliefs increasingly influence the thought that we, as humans, are more different than we are alike; others make it seem otherwise. I can personally say that my values and beliefs have changed as I started growing up. I wasn’t always as open-minded as I think I am. Each of my beliefs have been heavily influenced by the most significant social institutions that are in my life: school, family, religion, and the media. Overall, I firmly believe that differences among people do not have to keep us separate from one another. Rather, these differences should be embraced as they are what make us unique to our own selves and in this world. But of course, I can’t
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During the very first lecture, my professor asked, “How many of you call yourselves a feminist or believe in feminism?” Almost everybody’s hands went up, including mine. When she noticed the hands that didn’t go up, she then said something along the lines of: “I hope that by the end of this class, you will all call yourselves feminists. One of the books you’re going to read is going to show some of the challenges people who identify as women face in this world. It’s called Zami by Audre Lorde. I love her.” As the semester went along, I finally got the chance to read this book that my professor was so excited to teach us about. I fell in love with everything about it. Audre Lorde demonstrated what it was like growing up as a woman of color, struggling with her identity. From reading that book, I learned that identities are a layering process; they are fluid, and often times come with their own consequences. However, Zami also taught me that even if you can accept yourself for who you are, there will always be someone that doesn’t and refuses to. Audre Lorde’s portrayal of herself through Zami indicated how difficult it was (and can be for many) for her to be a poor, young black girl living in NYC. On top of this, she (Zami) was led to her own self-discovery at a very young age when she realized she was a
During the very first lecture, my professor asked, “How many of you call yourselves a feminist or believe in feminism?” Almost everybody’s hands went up, including mine. When she noticed the hands that didn’t go up, she then said something along the lines of: “I hope that by the end of this class, you will all call yourselves feminists. One of the books you’re going to read is going to show some of the challenges people who identify as women face in this world. It’s called Zami by Audre Lorde. I love her.” As the semester went along, I finally got the chance to read this book that my professor was so excited to teach us about. I fell in love with everything about it. Audre Lorde demonstrated what it was like growing up as a woman of color, struggling with her identity. From reading that book, I learned that identities are a layering process; they are fluid, and often times come with their own consequences. However, Zami also taught me that even if you can accept yourself for who you are, there will always be someone that doesn’t and refuses to. Audre Lorde’s portrayal of herself through Zami indicated how difficult it was (and can be for many) for her to be a poor, young black girl living in NYC. On top of this, she (Zami) was led to her own self-discovery at a very young age when she realized she was a