Theoretical Racial Development

In the relevant course, CRD 2, I was made aware of a few different theories of social identity development, particularly pertaining to race. As I began to examine these theories, I sought out similarities, something that would catch my eye and make me think, “That applies to me.” Beverly Tatum’s ideas caught with me most easily, and I will elaborate on them shortly, but for the most part, I had to struggle to find one that seemed synonymous with who I am and how I see myself. The closest likenesses I could find were for the most part milder versions of the theory’s anecdotes, and I found it unnecessary to make myself conform to a theory exactly. While the theories are excellent material for reflection, and possibly even enlightenment, I assert that, considering the individuality of each person, it’s illogical to assume that every person can be categorized into a theory.

The idea of the development of a social identity is a new one to me. For the majority of my life, including the present-day, I had always considered my social identity to be complete. I am Latino. Perhaps it was due to the fact that in my past experiences, I have little experience with the adverse effects of racism. However, it is indeed obvious to me that this is not nearly the case for everyone else. I am well aware of the marginalization, both conscious and unconscious, of the Latin people in the U.S. Nevertheless, I can’t look back and find bitterness in my heart due to racism. Still, while social identity development may be new to me, it’s still an intriguing concept. What exactly is a social identity? In brief, it is one’s self-awareness as to what social category they feel they should belong in, as well as how that awareness affects day to day life. Social ...

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...Even despite my feelings about my own racial development, I, without fail, count it an incredible joy to interact with others about their race and lifestyles. Beverly Tatum’s stages may do a decent job to explain my past experiences, but I find the opportunity to see others’ self-identification to be a much more meaningful thing to me. Maybe their life lines up more with another theory. Perhaps they have even come up with a theory of their own to define and tell their story. No matter what, the narratives that are told within the theories and stages are entirely different for every single person. It it simply impossible to find the perfect theory for all, and one should not feel obligated to conform to a theory. This variance and individuality is unpredictable and cannot always be categorized, but that’s one of the things that makes humanity such a beautiful thing.