Social location
Social location can be described as "the intersection of class, race, gender, and culture" (Zavella) which should neither be confused with "Crossing borders" which is the "notion that Chicanas construct a sense of self in oppositional terms" held by Gloria Anzaldua. Renato Rosaldo denotes social location as "poisoned subject" where the "observer/writer/ethnographer is self-reflective of her social status and takes responsibility for uncovering the power relations within the culture - including her participation within changing cultural processes". Social location focuses on "emphasizing the processes that constrain Chicanas' sense of self, the structures of oppression that make being a "positioned subject" or "crossing borders" problematic." (Zavella).
Place of Birth and Race
I was born in Bangladesh in a family that primarily speaks Bengali. My grandparent was a village elder, and my father was a high school teacher. I am the first generation American in our family. Moving to the United States was a huge culture shock for me especially when I started my education here in the United States. I had to learn and adapt to the new culture that I was not used to and hence, I balanced two worlds that is, as the Bengali culture had been ingrained in me since childhood. It was therefore quite challenging to learn a new culture that is significantly different from the culture I was brought up. The people I interact indicate that I still retain part of my Bengali culture in the sense that I do not 'date' nor do I drink alcohol. I do not think that it is bad to retain certain aspects of my culture because it is who I am, and I do not want to lose that part of me.
Education
Furthermore, learning and the school system here has been quite challenging for me especially because of certain assumptions and stereotypes that are automatically given to me. My teachers assume that because I am Asian, I am great in Mathematics which is an injustice to me because they already have a set mindset instead of focusing on what I can do at the moment. In addition to that, I am also the first person to get an American degree in my family which is a great honor that has many expectations. I understand the pressure, but it can sometimes be overwhelming because I am still trying to assimilate into the American culture especially when it comes to language. Since I am extremely familiar with the Bengali language, I use it as a basis when learning other languages. My teachers have many a time pointed out that I should avoid translating English from my native language. The language barrier has proved to be quite challenging to me, but it seems that I have no other option but to push myself to get used to the American culture.
I believe that education should be a transactional process from both sides of the student and teacher, but sometimes I am hindered from voicing this out because I feel that the society constantly reminds me that I should be grateful for the amazing chance that I have to study and live in the United States. (Valenzuela). I needed to get on my teachers' good side through being compliant and even in dressing. My teachers loved that about me, but they did not know it was a sort of inferiority complex. I did not feel like I was as free to express myself like the other American students. If I had any complaints, they were quickly silenced by the fact that I should be appreciative of the opportunity to learn in the United States, an education that I would not have had in Bangladesh. (Valenzuela).
Class
My family is in the lower middle-class division, and we live a relatively comfortable life as my parents can also afford to handle some if not all of my university fees besides other basic needs. This has proved to be a relief, a sort of plus side of the story because being an immigrant and coming from the lowest class is highly judged by those in society. I consider myself to be lucky to get a university education and live above our basic needs.
Gender
I am male, and Bangladesh is a primarily patriarchal society whereby, women are not usually seen outside the domestic domain especially in rural parts of the country. Although the law states that women should be treated equally and have equal rights as men, the final decision lies on the religious, personal law which has its own beliefs that are not necessarily a reflection of what the law says. Men are treated in higher esteem than most women.
I consider myself a feminist and I acknowledge the privilege that I as a male, have in most settings in comparison to women. I also believe that women should have total autonomy over themselves and they should not be anyone's property as is practiced by many whereby once married the girl or woman immediately belongs to the husband's family in the form of property. Women need to be encouraged to speak their minds out and not be put down when they express feelings that are not "culturally acceptable for women" like anger.
I believe that men should be allowed to express their feelings and not just anger and madness. Men should be able to cry without feeling less "manly." Toxic masculinity not only affects those around men but also men themselves. Keeping feelings and emotions in often leads to random outburst which could furthermore lead to violence against oneself and others too. In the case of sexual violence against men, I strongly hold on to the belief that they should have a safe space to express themselves without judgment and being told that they "were not man enough" as this could completely scar a sexual assault survivor.
One of the solutions that I believe will change the gender gap is inclusively solving the problem and not leaving it to women to solve it on their own. We can start solving this issue from the grassroots by how we raise our children too. We need to be more focused on kids as people and not just people who belong to a specific gender because this can be quite restrictive to both boys and girls.
My beliefs are not the traditions that are held by my community and hence, my way of life can be deemed as contentious. However, my views are not criticized as much in the American culture. Bangladesh is becoming more inclusive of women in areas such as politics and the workforce, and I support that. The current Prime Minister is a woman. It is important to have representation especially when it comes to decisions that will affect you personally.
Policing
I am part of a minority in the United States, and here, I do not feel like I have enough power to influence policies and hence, representation by those who share my beliefs is important to me. However, I do not think that the current case will persist in that, the United States is already inclusive, and individuals are fighting for more inclusivity.
Works Cited
Valenzuela, Angela. Subtractive Schooling: U.S. - Mexican Youth and the Politics of Caring. Albany: SUNY Press, 1999. Digital File.
Zavella, Patricia. "Reflections on Diversity among Chicanas." Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies, Vol.12, No. 2
(1991): 73-85. Digital file. 27 September 2018. .
