In the speech delivered by Dr. Srivi Ramasubramanian, she discusses ethical issues with working in America as a minority as well as the media stereotyping against minorities and how it affects the attitudes of the viewers. Two issues were brought up that especially stuck out to me.
The first issue involves how quick immigrants are to conform to American “norms” when they come to America. Another issue considers how we, as Americans, must understand our own identity better in order to accept others for their identities.
Regarding the first issue, Srivi gave great examples on conforming to fit into the mainstream norm in order to fit in. Michael Jackson, not an immigrant, but a world-wide entertainer was born black. But, she explains how he needed to feel normalized and better viewed by the world. He eventually became white on the outside, in order to be accepted, respected, not have to go through the hurdles of life and to be appreciated rather than tolerated.
Also, another great example was explained through a Chinese reference. In china, babies are born with lovely intricate Chinese names. But, when they come to America, they are typically given an American surname such as Danny or Grace. People simply don’t get those names at birth in China. In order to fit in with the American mainstream, they have to make that decision. In an EBook “Immigrant America” by Alejandro Portes and Ruben Rumbaut, they explain how “the immigrant world has always been a difficult one, torn between old loyalties and new realities.” It’s a shame that in order to come to America in hopes for a better life, they must change something important to them in order to fit in.
Srivi also described an issue that is present in a lot of people, especially my age. Often, people are prejudice against immigrants. But, why? She believes it is because we don’t fully understand our own identities. In her classes, she has her students fill in an “identity map”. On this map, students write down things such as their race, gender, occupation, religion, immigration status, social class, etc. in hopes to help them understand themselves better.
After understanding yourself as best you can, it gives you better insight on understanding others. For example, not only immigrants, but she explained how people with disabilities are often viewed by their disability. Instead, we should remember that there are other aspects of their personality and identity to view them as, rather than “minoritizing” them.
In another EBook “The Making of Minority Executives in Corporate America” by David Thomas, he explains minorities’ come-up in the corporate world. “Their accomplishments are not the result of their having a better starting point than their corporate peers”. Rather than having a fair opportunity, or even a “step-ahead”, they have to work extra just because they are viewed as a minority, not by their own identity.
After this insightful speech, I’ve learned that not only I need to do some soul-searching, but many others also do. Understanding yourself will not only benefit you, but will better your relationships and views with those different than you.
References:
Thomas, D. (n.d.). Breaking Through : The Making of Minority Executives in Corporate America. David A. Thomas & John Gabarro.
Portes, A., & Rumbaut, R. (2014). Immigrant America. University of California.