From the chapter titled "The Differential Visions of Queer Migration Manifestos", the author makes it a point to hit on the topic of duality - especially for those who express intersectionality. I found this piece interesting because within the writing, there were pieces of information regarding the mechanisms that can be used in times for "coalition possibilities" (Chavez, 23) which can be presented as manifestos, and differential visions. The author also expands on this notion of "differential belonging", which was introduced by Carrillo Rowe. Differential belonging essentially is used for one to understand how we may be oppressed and or privileged and how we can be able to use our positionality to share our experiences and enact some sort of change or impact. "Differential belonging also compels us to be longing, to desire relations across lines of difference. (Chavez, 27)
The concept of wanting to belong is something that is strong and within most people, if not everyone on some level. It is important to be able to take these different ideas and be able to compile in our minds and our actions how it is we can go about supporting those who struggle with their identities or positionality. This is where being an individual who expresses an identity of intersectionality may struggle, but with the help of others who use their experiences to share, there is possibility of ease and feeling of belonging - even if differential.
I really liked how you talked about the concept of wanting to belong and how everyone wants to belong to something on some level. I definitely agree and think that our sense of belonging is what helps us build connections with one another. I think it is really important to think about our need for belonging, especially when considering how everyone’s identities and positionalities come into play. If someone is not comfortable with their own identity, it is extremely difficult for them to feel a sense of belonging. This makes me think of Rowe talking about how “the sites of our belonging constitute how we see the world, what we value, who we are (becoming)” (Rowe, 16). If one feels as though they do not belong, it affects how they see the world and can influence their values.
ReplyDeleteDifferential belonging is so important to reflect on because it is much easier for some to "belong" than others. As you mentioned, everyone wants to belong. Everyone wants to be accepted. It is human nature to want to fit in with the people around you. But that is not easy for everyone. If an individual is marginalized within society, they are less likely to feel a sense of belonging from their peers. It is really upsetting that some people exclude others due to their differences. From my personal life, I can remember in 7th grade I had a history class where there was only one black male in the entire class. Out of the 30 or so students, he was the only student of color. I can remember feeling upset for him because it was clear he did not feel a sense of belonging in that class. He would hardly share and kept to himself. I felt awful because it did not need to be that way. This sense of belonging can really be a reflection of how we feel about ourselves and our worth. It is not fair for one individual to feel less than another just because of their differences.
ReplyDeleteDifferential belonging is something that I believe isn't explored enough or championed enough in society today. I think of a conversation I had while volunteering at NAMI (A mental health org) where I worked with minorities, specifically, I worked with a group of 16-17 year old minorities who started to catch onto this idea of differential belonging, one of them pointed out that albeit being oppressed, in some ways he had privilege because he was brought up in a well-off home; whereas many of the other minorities did not have a similar upbringing to his. He hinted at the idea that he would be able to help others that may not have the same privilege as him. I also think this idea can be applied to anyone, the idea that we can ultimately use our own agency to further good causes and work towards a society where oppression is, hopefully, null. I like how you explained how it can be a concept where you can be on both sides of the coin, where you can be oppressed, but maybe you have privileges others don't and therefore, you can use your platform and agency to help them.
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