Dominant vs. Counter Narrative Part I: Definitions for Future Reference

Some of you might be familiar with the ideas of Dominant Narrative/Discourse and Counter Narratives. For those of you who have no idea what these things are about, or perhaps need a quick brush up, here is Narrative and Discourse 101.

Dominant Discourse: The common, accepted way to speak and behave that reflects those with the most power in society. See: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-dominant-discourse.htm

Dominant Narrative: This is very similar to Dominant Discourse, but as the word 'narrative' suggests, this is about the story. There is a popular and accepted course through life with minor deviations. It includes family structure, schooling, job types, friendships, belief systems, behavior, etc. Again, this narrative reflects the culture of those with the most power.

Counter Narrative: If there is something dominant, you can usually bet on some rebels. This type of story or belief goes against what the Dominant Narrative believes is suppose to happen.

Let's View some Examples!

Dominant Discourse: Wearing a suit to an interview while avoiding slang, making solid eye contact, and coming prepared with prior knowledge of the company with which you are interviewing.

Dominant Narrative #1: A young woman who comes from an upper middle class family in the suburbs with both parents at home and employed, and siblings close in age. Her schools are well reputed to churn out a high percentage of graduates, students who go to and finish college, and go on to middle class or higher jobs. Her grades are high, she is on the honor roll, she gets tutors when she needs help, her class sizes are capped at 25, and schools offer her scholarships based on her GPA, decently high ACT scores, and her eloquent writing.

Dominant Narrative #2: A young man of color is from a family who depends on the welfare system to survive. He lives in subsidized housing, a two bedroom apartment he shares with his mother, three siblings, his aunt and her two kids. He goes to school and gets a C average, works at a diner for extra money, takes three different routes a day to avoid the gangs, takes care of the younger kids and helps them with homework, meals, baths, and bedtime because his mother and aunt are working the night shift for the extra pay. He tries to do his homework, but often gives up around 1 a.m. because he's exhausted. He takes drops the kids at school, gets on the bus and gets to school late, turns in work late, and never tells the teachers why it is his grade do not reflect his obvious intelligence. He graduates just barely, does not go to college, and ends up working at the diner, slowly moving up to different jobs, wondering how he can possibly do something different.

Counter- Narrative: (Based on a true story) A young black man of color has two parents who love him, but only his mother works and brings in money. He is smart and tries, but has yet to be pushed to really challenge his intelligence. He meets a new team of core teachers who challenge him from every angle and bug him about everything. He rises up, meets the challenge, and finds that he wants to them to keep it up. He works through school, despite poor access to technology, a father who continues to go in and out of jobs, spends money on unnecessary items, and place his family last on his list of priorities. He confides in his teachers when he is down, stressed, angry, or just needs support. He graduates on the honor roll and a full ride academic scholarship out of state. Four years later, he graduates with a double major and begins his search for a job.

Why are we talking about this?

This post is to establish the definitions of the types of discourses and narratives I will be referring to as I explore racial, ethnic, and cultural identities. Understanding discourse and narrative is the first step to having honest conversations about identity. Join me next time as I explore where I feel Asian Americans fit into the conversation about Dominant and Counter Narratives.