Paper Summary:

This article focuses on the subject of 'Others' and the whole process of othering that allows the majority or the mainstream group to create boundaries based on race, gender and class. The writer notes that it is critical to understand that othering is not always perceived as a positive force or phenomenon. In fact, in more cases than not, othering is seen as a negative illustration of stereotypical images of certain racial groups. The writer notes that the author of the article, who is herself a Latino or more specifically a Chicano, discusses the process of othering and how her own identity and image were torn between two different identities of race that mainstream group assigned her based on her skin color.

From the Paper:

"This subtlety cannot be overlooked and the author also acknowledges the difference. In the first definition, Weis blames others for starting the othering process while Charon takes the responsibility for the development of othering. He feels that every individual constitutes this image for himself by noticing how different he is from others."
"Another very important aspect that the author introduces to the process of othering is role taking. The author uses Charon's definition to explain that role taking is a critical part of interaction and of understanding the feeling, sentiments and views of others. If this essential ability to empathize is missing, it becomes difficult to interact with people of different gender, race or class and stereotypes may become the only framework in which people would view others."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Canales, M. K. Othering: Toward an Understanding of Difference. Advances in Nursing Science, 22(4), 16-32

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