Gina Molfetta

C&T 5037
Map of Contexts
9/18/14

Fri 9/12
Country music fan at a concert

Sun 9/14
Out of Place Churchgoer

Sun 9/14
Self-Described Athlete at the park

Tues 9/16
Overwhelmed Student in class

Weds 9/17
Teaching Intern

Gina Molfetta
C&T 5037
Map of Contexts Reflection
9/18/14
Throughout the week, I crossed many different contexts. The first was when I
attended a country music concert on Friday night. In this context, I am read as someone
who is from the South or enjoys aspects of Southern culture in this kind of environment
or when listening to this kind of music. I identify as a country music fan and enjoy some
aspects of the Southern culture, but only within the context of a concert. Outside of
country music concerts, I do not identify as being a part of or agreeing with the values of
Southern culture. Also, based on the venue of the concert and the seats I was in, I think I
was read as being somewhat wealthy for being able to afford the seats.
On Sunday, I went to mass at Riverside Church. In this context, I am read as a
churchgoer and probably someone who is relatively religious. Although I was raised
Catholic and church was a big part of my life as a child, I rarely go anymore and feel that
I sometimes question my beliefs. So in this regard, while at mass, I identified as
someone who is familiar with and enjoys the goings-on at church, but I felt as though I
was posing and somewhat out of place. I think I was probably read as a religious young
white woman who goes to church every week.
Another context I crossed this week was being a runner. On Sunday evening, I
went for a run in Riverside Park. When I exercise (or even when Im not), I always
identify myself as an athlete because it has been my biggest identifier for most of my life.
However, when on a run in the park, I think I am read as someone who exercises, but
isnt particularly physically inclined or athletic. This is due mostly to my ability, as I am
not really a good or fast runner. I also dont look like the typical athlete type. I do

identify very strongly as an athlete though and tend to make that known, when
appropriate.
A context that I occupy during the week is as a student. One of the classes I am in
has mostly students from the various content areas. I think others may read me as a step
below them because I am an elementary school teacher and not an expert in a content
area. I identify myself as a student in the class who feels overwhelmed at times and
much less confident as compared to my other classes. I believe this comes from my lack
of confidence in my ability and that the environment is not a strong suit of mine.
A new context that I crossed this week was as a teaching intern. In this situation,
I identify as someone who has experience teaching, but is not yet totally familiar or
comfortable with the students and curriculum. In this context, I am read by the students
as another teacher in the classroom, but I am unfamiliar to them still. I am read by the
cooperating teacher, as another teacher in the room who is learning from and observing
her as she teaches.
In the context of the Christinas Worlds article, I feel that there are ways in
which I do certain things or act in certain ways in order to either hide or promote a
specific part of my identity. For example, in church I sang along with all of the hymns to
try and blend in to avoid feeling like such an outsider. Also, while in the class where I
feel overwhelmed, I dont participate as much and/or dont take as many risks for fear of
saying the wrong thing or being judged. In all of these contexts, I do think that my being
white gave me privilege in some ways. However, like McIntosh says in her article, I do
not immediately recognize the way in which I was at an advantage because I have
become so accustomed to receiving these benefits based on my skin color.