When reading theoretical pieces during the first part of this semester, I found subconsciously that I identified both “in-between” people and “insiders” described as foreign. Unintentionally, I placed myself and my own life as far removed from those illustrated. Despite the fact that I am not and was not ignorant to the issues addressed in this course, by removing myself as a response to the reading of theory I felt incredibly naïve…
My distancing habit was stopped by our reading of Light in August and subsequent class discussion. Though theorists read prior to this novel did use anecdotal evidence to initiate their theses, these stories, because of their theoretical usage, did not prevent me from far removing myself from their implications. Light in August, however, succeeded in preventing this removal. The novel’s characters, though in my opinion unlikable, pulled me in. Obviously, this is a classic asset of literature as opposed to theory, but this “conversion” does lead me to a main point.
Reaching this point of relatability no doubt inspired following class discussions, including those on the Scopes trials. It also allowed me to think more clearly about those considered “in-between” today, ultimately proving the continuity of “in-betweeness”. Despite slight change in specifics, general groups have remained and continue to remain “outside” in American policy, institutions, and culture. These groups include immigrants, the unmarried, those with non-heterosexual sexual orientations, those considered “non-white”, women, the working class, etc. Changes have been at best small or between specifics (i.e. nationalities, races, etc.).
America is considered a melting pot, implying acceptance. However, it was made clear to me through our class discussions following Light in August that the power dynamic between the oppressed and the oppressor remains prevalent. The maintenance of specific groups as “outsiders” and this power dynamic can be seen in America from the early colonial period. Specifically, Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia clearly illustrates this determination of certain groups as outsiders in its discussion of both Indian and black people.
One of the things that I have found most interesting in relation to this idea of continuity (clear from its frequent recurrence in my blogs) is the development of subculture resulting from the perpetual oppression of specific groups. Much of our reading whether theoretical, anecdotal, or fictional has clearly illustrated this sub cultural development.