As a white, middle-class young adult, social identities and understanding how they shape my life is an ongoing journey deeply influenced by the difficult framework of social justice. In this essay, I will explore two social identities to which I belong, my racial identity as a white person and my economic identity as a member of the middle class. Through examining these identities, I aim to explain how privilege and oppression intersect to shape my perspectives, values, expectations, and beliefs. First, my racial identity as a white person gave me many privileges I didn't realize.. Growing up in a predominantly white community, I was shielded from many of the harsh realities of racial inequality. My family and peers instilled in me the idea …show more content…
This disparity made me feel a sense of guilt and responsibility within me, prompting me to want a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. My racial identity as a white person and my economic identity as a member of the middle class intersect to shape my perspectives, values, expectations, and beliefs. While my racial privilege gives me systemic advantages, my socioeconomic background grants me access to opportunities and resources. In examining schooling through a critical social justice lens, it becomes evident that various stakeholders are impacted by socialization, oppression, racism, and privilege within educational systems. Two key aspects where these dynamics manifest are curriculum representation and disciplinary practices. Curriculum representation plays a significant role in shaping students' perceptions of themselves and the world around them. However, traditional curricula often prioritize Eurocentric perspectives, marginalizing the experiences and contributions of non-white and non-Western cultures. This lack of representation prolongs the systems of oppression by reinforcing dominant narratives and erasing diverse