Tatum rationalizes that one's identity is shaped by many components of one's life and impacts how one is perceived by others. Tatum explains that each component of our identity differentiates us because we are constantly identified through our race, ethnicity, gender, and more. All of our identities have each form of oppression and we are both dominant and subordinate at the same time. Tatum then describes what subordinates face compared to dominants. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Oppression occurs in every classification and seems to correspond primarily to subordination. For the dominant group, they are oppressors, which equates them to enjoying privileges, earned or unearned. Tatum argues that we would find ourselves dominated and targeted simultaneously in our multiple identities, or rather, multiple alliances. For example, Singaporean Chinese can be classified as dominant, as the native language policy has systematically provided them with more job opportunities. However, Chinese people from other countries, such as China, may not have the same privileges. In another case, a Singaporean Malay may not share as many job opportunities as a Singaporean Chinese, although both enjoy the same citizenship privilege. Tatum states that those in the dominant group usually overlook a part of their identity and take it for granted. For example, we tend to take being able-bodied for granted and not mention being able-bodied to someone. Furthermore, in a dominant-subordinate relationship, the subordinate will often be classified as flawed or inadequate. A typical case would be women in the military, where we rarely see women on the front lines. This is because men are generally stronger than women, so women may be given light duties if they are in the military because women are seen as weaker in terms of strength. If a woman is offered career opportunities, she may doubt her ability to take on the position. As Tatum states, the targeted group internalizes the idea that dominants demonstrate to them and may have difficulty believing in their ability to perform. These oppressions are greatly influenced by the stereotypes present in society. Another example would be foreign workers giving up their seats to Singaporeans while taking public transport. The act of giving up their seat to Singaporeans shows that they have internalized the fact that they do not have the same standing as Singaporeans. Furthermore, Tatum also explains that when subordinates tend to stay close to the dominant group, they focus little on themselves and in this case, foreign workers are focused on giving up their place in favor of Singaporeans who fail to realize that they are also human beings who have the right to dignity and honor, and have an equal right to seats on public transport. Tatum also states that when dominants deny the presence of inequality, some may think they share similarities and, sometimes, a collective experience. However, dominants will never experience how subordinates are oppressed. For example, a child born rich cannot experience how a poor child may worry about how to save and save, or have to think twice when buying a pen. A Singaporean can relate to foreign workers' experience of taking public transport in Singapore, but they do not experience the challenges that foreign workers face. Please note: this is just an example. Get a personalized document now come on..