postcolonial theory

The idea of a fluid identity with multiple center not only fits postmodern writing but is apparently more representative of non-western writers. It is important to understand what is not other, as much as it is what is Other, to clearly grasp the stereotypes that are being projected,in order to reach beyond them. In looking at the "hybridity" of culture (Barry 192) it is not just the fact that our society is made up of people whose original origins are from all over the world, but to look at the racial, as well as national origin genetic/social mixing that has occurred over the generations in America. This means that many people are not coming from one particular world view and that our culture is in flux, as to how we see racial issues and our position versus those who set up our original colonies. It is a mistake to pretend that racial issues are no longer important in our society though, even for those whose backgrounds represent several different races. Most people want to own all that they are. It is important to examine how our society still exhibits racism to move it in a direction toward a freer and more equal society. We may have all kinds of laws on the books to protect people, but friendships, the neighborhoods we live, the schools our children attend, the resources available in one community versus another, substance abuse patterns, numbers of the unemployed and underemployed, as well as incarcerated continue to speak loudly. Understanding these things from a number of perspectives may lead to a number of possible remedies. One has to understand one's enemy in order to find a way to bypass them, or better yet come to a sense of mutuality, rather than attempting to destroy one another.