Learning about intersectionality in relation to the way humans dress themselves everyday was incredibly eye-opening this week. I had already been aware of the fact that there were different subject positions that influenced my style, but I never knew the exact terminology for them and how they worked together to influence me. Firstly, the term intersectionality derives from Feminist Theory, in relation to understanding how one’s subject positions (societal, personal, and political factors) and subject formation (forming of a subject or persona through intersecting subject positions) impact and influence style-form-dress. ***ADD QUOTE*** When creating my intersectionality map, I was eager to determine which subject positions heavily impact my everyday agency and habitus. The 8 subject positions I chose, all from the Susan Kaiser reading, are Race, Ethnicity, Nationality, Age, Religion, Occupation, Gender, and Sexuality. I chose 8 over the original 6 because I felt that there were many more subject positions that impact my everyday dress practices and attitude towards the outside world. Firstly, I am almost always aware of these subject positions I occupy, but there are some scenarios when I am more aware of some than others. Let’s first go through how I identify myself within the categories. Within the Race bubble in my intersectionality map, I inserted an image of an afro pick with the phrase “Afro Latina” printed on it. I am puertorican and Dominican, so I identify as being a black Latina. This then also ties into the next subject position, which is Ethnicity. Within the Ethnicity bubble, I chose to use a mixture of the Dominican and Puertorican Flags, being that I identify with both. Now for the 3rd intersectionality map subject position, I chose to go with nationality. I chose to go with some imagery from the This is America Music Video by Childish Gambino, because it resembles my own interpretation and experience with America. I am always aware of my race, ethnicity, and nationality, but more specifically when I am around people who do not share these qualities with me. For example, when I am going to be in an environment where I am the only Latina female, I am aware of how I carry myself and how I want to be, so that I can proudly represent my culture. However, at the same time, when I am around other black or hispanic individuals, I am more aware of the fact that I am Afro Latina, or a mixed person. I make sure not to project any of the stereotypes that mixed individuals are given s that I can relate to all people and have others feel comfortable around me. When I am around foreign people/friends, I am very aware that I am an American born citizen and that my behavior, style, and habits may be different than others who derive from different places. Specifically, these 3 subject positions cannot exist without interlapping and influencing one another. I wouldn’t be Afro Latina if I wasn’t aware of the fact that I am a mixed individual who is Dominican and Puertorican. I also wouldn’t be aware of my place as a minority if I wasn’t from America perhaps. Now, let’s move onto the next 4 subject positions. I chose to go with Sexuality, Gender, Age, and Occuption. Within the Sexuality bubble, I chose to insert a tye-dye colorful image to represent my fluid view on this subject position. Under Gender, I simply went with the female bathroom logo that is placed above most public bathrooms. Moving onto Age, I chose to insert a generic photo of millennials taking selfies due to the fact that I am a millennial and most known for using technology in a similar fashion. Lastly, for Occupation I went with a screenshot of one of my mix covers. I make music, design clothes, go to Parsons, and work at a Designer Consignment Store. My occupation inspires the way I dress because I am influenced by these occupations everyday and keep them in mind when getting ready in the mornings. My occupation, specifically going to school, intersects with my age as a 19 year old female (and gender). My sexuality also influences the way I dress being that I like to play with both men’s and women’s clothes. I also like to pull inspiration from different generations because I am a millennial and get more inspiration from older decades. Overall, I would not have the style I have today if I didn’t identify under the specific subject positions that I currently do. Understanding intersectionality has not only allowed for me to understand my fashion influences, but also my own identity and how the different subject positions inter lap and influence one another.
CITING IMAGES
- ALL IMAGES DERIVE FROM THE INTERNET, EXCEPT FOR MY SCREENSHOT OF MY MIX COVER
