The Concept of Otherness - Coursework Example

Otherness describes the state of being different, not the same and one’s description and thoughts of otherness are based on one’s self and being. It refers to the concept that in order to define and understand one’s self then the other must define self. Based on the concept that change occurs with the addition of another person, otherness is needed to really know the self. Otherness is used in society and in culture to distinguish groups from each other while we also use separate concepts to distinguish which belongs to which group. Using otherness helps society to determine social abilities and knowledge in numerous fields as we use comparison.

The other is perceived as not belonging, and the group will see themselves as the norm with the other as something exotic (The other…). Otherness can refer to a different religion, ethnicity, nationality, social class, sexuality, or political ideal ology. It is not necessary for the other to be a numerical minority and some groups are defined as other because of a lack of qualities more so than sheer numerical data.  

The White House

In the reading of The White House, Mckay represents the concepts of otherness with words that indicate exclusion, though the piece is not specific to why there is exclusion. ‘Your door is shut against my tightened face,’ and the statement that ‘the pavement slabs burn loose beneath my feet,’ suggest that the individual might possibly be barefooted (The White…). Anger at rejection is expressed with the words discontent, wrathful, and in the use of the word hate.

The other is representing a law defining authority that is obviously not in agreement with the individual which has caused them to be extremely bitter and feel a sense of not belonging, as though they are being specifically excluded. With the title of the piece being ‘The White House,’ it is possible that the Author is referring to the White House in Washington and the political conditions which keep him segregated or separated from the ruling class, though he obviously feels that otherness is being used against him and he continues to attempt to remain wise and react appropriately to his rejection. Though he would like to react in a wrathful way he remains proud, graceful, and courageous in his feeling of otherness.

The other in this work is the White House and whoever has shut the door to the individual, a separate though distinct society from the individual that obviously sets guidelines on how the individual should behave though he is not able to represent himself and voice his opinion to the ‘others’ because he is not part of the societal group, which makes him very angry and frustrated. The group defining the other seems to be the government or a political entity to which the individual has no entrance to because of otherness.

Teaching Otherness and Identity

In teaching otherness in a classroom setting it is important to emphasize that each individual is other from someone else and that it is inappropriate to react in a mean or cruel manner based only on the fact of otherness (Russo). Using the principle of teaching understanding versus acceptance will allow students to examine and question their own identity. Indirectly this will often lead to acceptance and is much more effective than forcing acceptance.

When a teacher’s cultural background and identity are significantly different from that of the student population there is a greater risk of cultural disconnect. Recognizing among students that each person is different racially, through religion, neighborhood, family and community can help individuals see how they are connected in other ways. Using your own otherness in conversation with students, including elements of your cultural background and experiences can prompt students to share their own elements of self.

Integrate experiences and celebrations into your curriculum in which each student is able to participate and share, creating space that each student can access and participate in group interactions which will put less emphasis on otherness. As a teacher, you will have a special opportunity to observe and recognize a student who is experiencing otherness. Observing communication, social skills, group interaction, problem behavior and inappropriate responses to the environment can give you clues to a student who may need your help. Students who tend to be aloof with little interaction with the group may need additional coaxing. Carefully observing student interactions when you feel there is a situation that is inappropriate and a student is feeling otherness or ostracized in some way will allow you a background of information to use in identifying and planning ways in which you can improve the student's experiences.