Gee

Discourses are ways of being in the world; they are forms of life which integrate words, acts, values, beliefs, attitudes, and social identities as well as gestures, glances, body positions, and clothes.” (p 526) Discourses are sort of like an identity kit and discourses are a part of Discourses. I have many Discourses just like everyone else does. I find myself adapting to the environment or situation around me and changing my Discourse sometimes in that process. Many times the change of one’s discourse is so natural that it’s almost like second nature. You can go back and forth without even really taking much notice. My understanding of the two is that Discourse is the way you act or are being in certain scenarios and discourse is the way in which you communicate that, meaning not just speaking but body language, tone of voice, choice of words, etc. To name a few, I have a different discourse as a student, a sister, a young woman, around my friends/family/classmates/co-workers, etc. Recently I have started my fieldwork in a MPS school in a first grade classroom. When I walk into the building I immediately change my Discourse from what it was currently to my professional, school Discourse. I find myself being extra cheerful and making sure I speak carefully, making sure to not say things that would be inappropriate in that situation and also making sure that I sound professional. Sometimes I notice myself feeling that I may be laying it on too thick and that people will see me as fake or not sincere. Of course I’m still me I’m just making sure that I’m acting the appropriate way.


There have been many times in my life where I have considered changing a discourse to fit in and whether or not that would just be me trying to fit a certain stereotype or if that was really one of my discourses. I’m biracial and have always been asked things like “why do you act so white?” or “why don’t you act ghetto?” I’ve been stereotyped as a young black girl and many people have this idea of what I should act like, talk like or dress like. When I was younger remarks like that really used to upset me, but I realized something. I am who I am and no matter what stereotype is suggested for me I will be who I have always been, Chelsea. Yes at times I tweak the way I speak or how I dress to fit in with certain situations or crowds, but I’m still true to myself. I think that having these different Discourses is sort of a way to help you find who you are and what works for you.