Decoding the Dominance Paradigm By: Kerri DiNarda, Dana Faught, Jay Singleton, Cody Sutton, Junior Mezil, Alex Jamison and Alex Darr

Dynamics of Dominance Knowledge Construction Means by which individuals and societies determine what is real and true Means by which individuals and societies determine what is real and true “Official Knowledge” constructed by those in power in all major social institutions “Official Knowledge” constructed by those in power in all major social institutions Hegemonic groups tend to construct reality in ways that reinforce, protect and legitimize their position of dominance Hegemonic groups tend to construct reality in ways that reinforce, protect and legitimize their position of dominance All elements of schooling are aligned with Official Knowledge All elements of schooling are aligned with Official Knowledge These “Truths” are directed at and mold young minds These “Truths” are directed at and mold young minds

Dominant Groups hold “truths” Claim “truth” as their private domains Claim “truth” as their private domains Whites don’t think of themselves as having culture, they simply think of themselves as being right. Whites don’t think of themselves as having culture, they simply think of themselves as being right. Don’t hold “perspectives,” they just hold “truths.” Don’t hold “perspectives,” they just hold “truths.”

The Assumption of Rightness “Truths” of our Founders Founders of American democracy talked about “equality and justice for all,” really they had established a society a society based on sexism, racism and elitism. Founders of American democracy talked about “equality and justice for all,” really they had established a society a society based on sexism, racism and elitism. The Full Rights of Citizenship were only afforded to those who were wealthy, white and male! The Full Rights of Citizenship were only afforded to those who were wealthy, white and male! Historic events proved that “pursuit of happiness” was only intended for an elite class. Historic events proved that “pursuit of happiness” was only intended for an elite class.

“Truths” of The Melting Pot & Colorblindness The Melting Pot - So called “Americanization” process whereby immigrants “melt-away” their own differences and emerge in the image of Anglo-Conformity. The Melting Pot - So called “Americanization” process whereby immigrants “melt-away” their own differences and emerge in the image of Anglo-Conformity. Colorblindness - Treats race as irrelevant, invisible and taboo topic. Colorblindness - Treats race as irrelevant, invisible and taboo topic. “If I see race, I must be a racist. If I don’t see race or other differences, they will go away.” “If I see race, I must be a racist. If I don’t see race or other differences, they will go away.”

The Roots of Rightness Christianity is source of Dominance Paradigm Christianity is source of Dominance Paradigm Dominance and “chosen people”, singularity of truth, infallibility of church and temporal leaders, power of patriarchy Dominance and “chosen people”, singularity of truth, infallibility of church and temporal leaders, power of patriarchy Christian spiritual tradition is not at fault in the establishment of white dominance Christian spiritual tradition is not at fault in the establishment of white dominance

The Luxury of Ignorance The assumptions of rightness is often reinforced by the fact that dominant groups tend to know very little about those people whom they define as “the others.” The assumptions of rightness is often reinforced by the fact that dominant groups tend to know very little about those people whom they define as “the others.” The Luxury of nonengagement, or “Our sleep of unknowing” is not available to members of the groups that we consider ourselves superior to. The groups whose “lives demand expertise in translation and transition between their own culture and the culture of dominance” The Luxury of nonengagement, or “Our sleep of unknowing” is not available to members of the groups that we consider ourselves superior to. The groups whose “lives demand expertise in translation and transition between their own culture and the culture of dominance” The luxury of ignorance was graphically demonstrated when Howard recently attended a school board meeting in a community near Seattle. The luxury of ignorance was graphically demonstrated when Howard recently attended a school board meeting in a community near Seattle. The issue was adding teachers to teach foreign languages. One man stood up and yelled, “If English was good enough for Jesus, it is good enough for us.” Since English was not a language during Jesus’ time, this is entirely wrong. But does show the ignorance of superior groups. The issue was adding teachers to teach foreign languages. One man stood up and yelled, “If English was good enough for Jesus, it is good enough for us.” Since English was not a language during Jesus’ time, this is entirely wrong. But does show the ignorance of superior groups. The process of projection is the foundation of luxury of ignorance. Although all human beings project their assumption into larger world, whites have the particular advantage of hegemonic social position to reinforce their limited image of truth. Being dominant allows whites to continue that way. The process of projection is the foundation of luxury of ignorance. Although all human beings project their assumption into larger world, whites have the particular advantage of hegemonic social position to reinforce their limited image of truth. Being dominant allows whites to continue that way.

The Legacy of Privilege Privileges of whites based solely on skin color Privileges of whites based solely on skin color Moving to a new neighborhood/getting new job. Moving to a new neighborhood/getting new job. Being known as the “real American” Being known as the “real American” Feeling good about one’s self Feeling good about one’s self Treated like royalty in India Treated like royalty in India Privilege of “Voice” Privilege of “Voice”

Possibilities for Hope and Healing Can we beat the long term effects of dominance? Can we beat the long term effects of dominance? Some teachers lose faith Some teachers lose faith The dominance paradigm is self perpetuating The dominance paradigm is self perpetuating  While the challenge seems difficult when evaluated – it is a necessity  Teachers play the most pivotal role because of their ability to affect the resources available