Module 2: Challenging Societal Narratives
We've been talking about societal narratives and how they shape our beliefs. But where do these narratives come from? Often, they originate from and are reinforced by what's called the "dominant culture."
The dominant culture isn't about popularity; it's about power. It refers to the values, beliefs, practices, and norms of the most powerful group in a society. This group typically has the most influence over institutions like government, education, the media, and the economy. Because of this influence, their values and beliefs often become seen as the "standard" or "normal" way of doing things.
One of the tricky things about dominant culture is that it's often invisible to those who are part of it. It just seems like "the way things are." It's like the air we breathe – we don't notice it until it's polluted or absent. This invisibility is part of what makes dominant culture so powerful.
Examples (and a Crucial Note):
It's important to talk about specific examples, but we need to do so carefully and with nuance. In the United States, the dominant culture is often described as white, middle-class, heterosexual, cisgender, able-bodied and Christian. This is not about labeling individuals who fit these descriptions as "bad" or "oppressive." It's about recognizing the systemic power dynamics at play. It's about understanding how certain values and beliefs associated with these groups have historically held more power and influence in shaping societal norms and institutions.
For example, think about:
Language: The dominant language in the US is English. While many other languages are spoken, English is often the default, and those who don't speak it fluently may face barriers.
Holidays: Many national holidays in the US are based on Christian traditions. While people of other faiths are free to practice their own religions, Christian holidays often receive more public recognition and accommodation.
Beauty Standards: Dominant beauty standards often center on white features and a narrow definition of attractiveness. This can lead to people of color feeling marginalized or pressured to conform to these standards.
Representation in Media: Historically, and still to a large extent today, the media has overrepresented white, heterosexual, cisgender, able-bodied men, while underrepresenting or misrepresenting other groups.
The values and beliefs of the dominant culture often become the "standard" against which other cultures are judged. This can lead to:
Marginalization: People from non-dominant cultures may feel marginalized, excluded, or pressured to assimilate.
Stereotyping: Harmful stereotypes about non-dominant cultures can be perpetuated.
Discrimination: People from non-dominant cultures may face discrimination in areas like housing, employment, and education.
Normalization: Dominant culture can normalize harmful behaviors, toxic beliefs.
Understanding dominant culture is crucial for recognizing how power operates in society and how it shapes our beliefs and perceptions, often without us even realizing it. It's a key step towards challenging oppressive systems and building a more equitable world. It also helps create more compassion, both inward and outward.