onlyhuman77
Experienced User
Joined: 15 Apr 2008
{Posts: 168 }
Location: Harlem, NYC
|
 Posted: Wed 15 Apr 2009 21:11 Post subject: Interracial Marriage & The Tripartite Model |
 |
|
| Quote: |
The different levels of the Tripartite Model of Personal Identity and interracial marriages
by Krista Rafferty
Though it is quite hard to believe, it is still extremely difficult to be in an interracial marriage, even in a diverse city like Philadelphia. Although the city has been advancing and growing in many ways, it is still held back by the prejudices and narrow-mindedness of many people. These prejudices that many ignorant people hold can affect an interracial marriage in both a direct and indirect way. One way that prejudices affect an interracial marriage in an indirect way is seen through the Tripartite Model of Personal Identity. This model is the acceptance of self- perception as unique and individual, and these characteristics attribute to different cultural groups. This model also includes characteristics that are widespread among human beings in general. The Tripartite Model of Personal Identity consists of three levels, the individual, group, and universal level. Prejudices against different cultural groups can affect a person’s development within the model, and therefore affect their interracial relationship.
The first stage of the model is the individual level. This level is the belief that all individuals are different, and there are no two alike. Although this seems like the ideal stage, this could cause differing in the way people view their culture. For example, if one person in a relationship has explored and accepted this level, while the other person is struggling with it, a rift in beliefs could occur. A person who is not on the individual level of the model may feel held back because of prejudices against their culture. Although the person may feel that all people are unique in their own way, knowledge of stereotypes of his own race may cause him to downplay his own individuality.
The second level of the Tripartite Model of Personal Identity is the group level. The group level is the acceptance that all individuals have some things in common with one another. Someone who is trying to explore this stage could be affected by stereotypes and prejudices as well. Not only would it cause him to feel like he is completely separated from other cultures, based off his race and differences of his own culture, he would find it extremely difficult to fully connect with a person of another race. If he could not accept that he has similarities with others, while holding onto his differences on a cultural level, he could not feel that everyone was connected in some way. Therefore, his interracial marriage would be hindered because he would feel completely different from his spouse.
The third, and final, stage of the Tripartite Model of Personal Identity is the universal level. This is the belief that all individuals share the same characteristics. This stage could bring hardship to an interracial marriage because it would deny the different cultures of each spouse. Believing that every person is the same would completely diminish the sense of individualism and heterogeneity that differing cultures bring. Heterogeneity is what brings a sense of diverseness to a population, like the people of Philadelphia, of many cultures. Another way that this level could be hindered is from stereotypes and prejudices. Stereotypes could cause a person of a minority group to want to conform to the majority group. If one spouse from an interracial marriage is of a racial majority, and the other is from a racial minority, the spouse from the racial minority could deny their own culture. This would lead to conformity and ignoring an important characteristic of their identity.
After analyzing the stages of the Tripartite Model of Personal Identity, it clear that spouses in interracial marriages should be on the same level of this model, and grow to accept each others individuality and differences within their culture. If spouses are not on the same level of this model, it could cause the marriage to struggle. However, the most important thing to do in order to bypass these marital hardships is to accept that all people are individuals, however we all have common characteristics as human beings. This individuality is what makes the city of Philadelphia a beautiful place, but it would be a much easier place for interracial spouses if we all accepted each other for the unique, yet similar, people we all are.
|
http://www.examiner.com/x-7242-Philadelphia-Interracial-Relationships-Examiner~y2009m4d12-The-different-levels-of-the-Tripartite-Model-of-Personal-Identity-and-interracial-marriages |
|
'
FAQ
Search
Register
Log in
