Gaztambide (2014) argues that these experiences of varied positioning relate to assertions of power and ownership over the individual being positioned. The author states on the context and content of the discussion, all that does ‘depending not fit neatly into a very specific category of what is or what is ‘White’ is simply exchanged and lumped together on the other ‘Black’ side.’ (Gaztambide, 2014 pp. 93). Thus, the current participants can be viewed as in a state of exchange between dominant racialised groups, as a means of defining what is and is not Black and White, based on context. Gaztambide (2014) maintains that experiences of such positioning can create in those who experience it a fractured sense of racial identity, whereby an individual experiences limited affirmation of their sense of racialised self. This can be seen in discussion, where he talks about feeling perceived as Tunde’s to be Black or mixed when he is perceived and positioned as ‘pretending’ White. However, Gaztambide (2014) reasons that such experiences may not always be negative. He argues that this position, which gives rise to a fractured sense of racial identity, is actually a state that others with less racial ambiguity take time to understand, or never do. The author contends that ambiguous, or in this case mixed experiences of racialised perception and positioning can be seen as contributing towards a more flexible sense of racial identity. This in itself allows for a greater appreciation of the self without the confines of racialisation, and the contextual nature of the process of racialisation (Gaztambide, 2014).
Gaztambide (2014) argues that these experiences of varied positioning relate to assertions of power and ownership over the individual being positioned. The author states ‘depending on the context and content of the discussion, all that does not fit neatly into a very specific category of what is ‘White’ or what is ‘Black’ is simply exchanged and lumped together on the other side.’ (Gaztambide, 2014 pp. 93). Thus, the current participants can be viewed as in a state of exchange between dominant racialised groups, as a means of defining what is and is not Black and White, based on context. Gaztambide (2014) maintains that experiences of such positioning can create in those who experience it a fractured sense of racial identity, whereby an individual experiences limited affirmation of their sense of racialised self. This can be seen in Tunde’s discussion, where he talks about feeling perceived as ‘pretending’ to be Black or mixed when he is perceived and positioned as White. However, Gaztambide (2014) reasons that such experiences may not always be negative. He argues that this position, which gives rise to a fractured sense of racial identity, is actually a state that others with less racial ambiguity take time to understand, or never do. The author contends that ambiguous, or in this case mixed experiences of racialised perception and positioning can be seen as contributing towards a more flexible sense of racial identity. This in itself allows for a greater appreciation of the self without the confines of racialisation, and the contextual nature of the process of racialisation (Gaztambide, 2014).
Exploring%20the%20childhood%20and%20educational%20experiences_Final.docx