Intersectionality... defined as the "theoretical framework that posits that multiple social categories (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio economic status) intersect at the micro level of individual experience to reflect multiple interlocking systems of privilege and oppression at the macro, social-structural level... (AKA) How multiple forms of oppression and identity interact to create someone's experience in society.
So how does this relate to something I'm engaged in?
Once a month on a Friday night, my mother, sister, and their co-workers organized a group for the Hmong community of Manitowoc titled "Family Ties". (My duty is to volunteer as a babysitter, cook, helper etc). Basically, this once a month "get-together" consist of presentations to inform Hmong parent's, that know little English and are not 100% indulged into the American culture, about family communication, safety, and daily concerns they have at these meetings.
Some things that have already been discussed is fire and emergency safety rules (how and when to call for help), how to indicate signs of sexual assault/molestation, signs of verbal abuse, etc. These events also include food and games for the kids. Yes, kids are allowed in a separate room while the parents discuss the grown up stuff.
So the issue is, we no longer have a permanent community center for the Hmong community ever since it was sold and turned into "Paradise Foods" downtown. An intersectional approach that could help the issue is introduce the Hmong community to the Manitowoc community and provide information about who they are, where they're from, and what they're trying to achieve. To help the people of Manitowoc understand that these people are not dumb just because they're not fluent in the English language, but they're just trying to adjust and understand the American culture and also keep up their traditions. Also, that the Hmong community has some interesting traditions and if we promote it to the Manitowoc community, they will want to help raise money and find a place for the Hmong people of Manitowoc.
So if we create an understanding between both communities, maybe they can help each other out.
I think that this is an awesome connection to show intersectionality! I am sorry to hear that you don't have a place to meet as a community anymore though. I hope that your community can find a place to meet again soon.
ReplyDeleteMy dad actually used to work at the Hmong Community Center in Manitowoc. Sometimes I would go with him when I was younger and do my homework. My dad would help the elderly with whatever they needed help with, and give them advice. While there, I would watch many Hmong children come in after school and use the computers. I think it was a great place for the children to go too and have a place to go to besides home. After they closed, I think there was a loss of direction in the community, because there was no place to go to meet up and get advice. Besides that, the Hmong New Years ended too, and in a way I think it was a loss of a culture for Manitowoc. I think it would be a great idea to raise more awareness about the Hmong Community Center and reopen it.
ReplyDeleteYou raise great points here about the role of community and how different groups navigate adapting to the dominant culture and preserve their own culture and traditions. Do you think that the local institutions (government, education, etc.) helps folks do both of these things?
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