I'm an african american female. This template should be filled out like the example provided. Assignment: Journal Entry–From Margin to Center It can be uncomfortable to realize that you have come eit

SOCW 6051: Week 2 Journal

For this Week’s Journal, complete the following activities:

Part A

According to section 1.05(c) Cultural Awareness and Social Diversity of the NASW (2017) Code of Ethics, "Social workers should obtain education about and seek to understand the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical ability."

National Association of Social Workers. (2017). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English

Instructions: The table below shows a list of Social Identities. Place an X in the box to signify whether you hold privilege or lack privilege based on that identity. Then briefly explain why you identified as holding or lacking privilege. Provide a concrete example to demonstrate your understanding of privilege related to this specific identity characteristic. In the final column, provide a brief narrative about why you hold or lack privilege based on that specific identity.

Your place of privilege is often determined by the perceived social group in which society places you, and privilege varies depending on the context and intersecting identities. You may hold a position of privilege with one identity, while simultaneously holding a position which lacks privilege from another identity. You will not be graded on how you self-identify. The goal is to engage in self-reflection and critical thought. You may choose not to disclose any identity. If you prefer not to state, explain which groups hold privilege based on that identity characteristic and how that affects other groups.

Social Identity	Hold Privilege	Lack Privilege	Prefer Not to State	Why?
Example: [Social Identity]	x			I identify as OR Other people identify me as ____. This identity holds [does not hold] a position of privilege in society because… In US culture, [this identity] is considered the “norm.” A specific example of the privilege [or lack of privilege] that I experience is seeing [not seeing] positive representations of people who look or believe like me in the mass media. This is a privilege [or lack of privilege] because… My experience with this identity characteristic is…
Race/Ethnicity	x			I identify as Irish-American. All of my great-grandparents immigrated to the US from Ireland. Although there was a time in American history when the Irish were not considered white, this is no longer the case in my lifetime. This identity holds privilege in society because I am categorized as European-American, which is considered superior to individuals from Latin America, Africa, or Asia. In US culture, Irish-American is considered within “the norm.” A specific example of privilege that I experience is that my culture is celebrated—and has been celebrated since the late 1700s--every March 17. My experience with this identity characteristic is that most people have positive association with Irish-Americans (like JFK), although sometimes there is a stereotype that all Irish-Americans are alcoholics.
Color	x			I identify as White. This identity hold privilege because the white race is considered “the default.” My race is dominant in government, property-owning, income, wealth, et al. In US culture, White is considered “the norm.” A specific example of privilege that I experience is that I can move freely in retail spaces without being suspected of theft or shoplifting; in fact, salespeople flock to wait on me. My experience with this identity characteristic is that it has opened doors for me all my life, even though I have not always realized or acknowledged it.
Sex	x			I identify as male. This identity hold privilege because males are respected and hold power in most domains. In US culture, male is considered “the norm.” A specific example of privilege that I experience is that I can purchase a car for less money than a similarly situated female will pay. My experience with this identity characteristic is that my opinion is always valued. In social work, especially, I became a supervisor fairly quickly in my career.
Sexual Orientation		x		I identify as gay. This identity lacks privilege because heterosexuality is considered the norm and LGBQ+ individuals are considered abnormal, repugnant, or even “an abomination.” In US culture gays have been gaining acceptance, but it has been a slow process over my lifetime. We are definitely not considered “the norm.” A specific example of my lack of privilege is that fact that in about half of the 50 states I can be fired from my job just for being gay. My experience as a gay man is that I was once told I had not been hired because I am gay. I have been bullied and ridiculed and threatened. I have been scared for my safety in certain public spaces.
Gender Identity or Expression	X			I identify as cisgender. The gender I was assigned at birth is consistent with my self-identity. This identity holds privilege because I can go into a public bathroom without being questioned about whether I am in the right place. In US culture, cisgender is considered “the norm”: anyone who is not cisgender is considered a freak or abnormal. A specific example of cisgender privilege is the ease with which I can buy clothes that are consistent with my identity. My experience with this identity, however, is somewhat complicated, since many people see gay males as womanly or as wanting to be female. They conflate sexual orientation and gender identity. Someone even once said to me, “You really wish you were a women; you just don’t have the guts to become one.”