The exploration of race, society, and power dynamics in the texts "Totem" by Thomas King,

"If Our Bodies Could Rust, We Would Be Falling Apart" by Billy-Ray Belcourt, and "War" by

Lee Maracle, brings attention to the struggles individuals face in understanding their

identities and how these struggles are shaped and constrained by those in positions of power.

The exploration of identity is a complex and multilayered effort, as individuals struggle with

the ways in which power structures within society, family, and relationships shape and

constrain their sense of self. Through their respective narratives, the authors challenge the

status quo and offer alternative perspectives on the complex relationship between identity,

power, and cultural belonging. This essay will shed light on the intricate relationship between

identity formation and the dynamics of power.

In "Totem", Thomas King explores the struggle for identity within the context of power

dynamics. The protagonist Beebe Hill struggles with a profound sense of displacement,

insignificance and uncertainty regarding his identity. This is deeply shaped by the external

forces that exert control over his life. Caught between the expectations and demands of the

dominant white society and his own Indigenous heritage, Beebe struggles to find a

comprehensible sense of self. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Beebe's struggle

is heavily influenced by the power dynamics that permeate his social and cultural landscape.

King's exploration of Beebe's identity crisis highlights the ways in which power structures

within society can shape and constrain an individual's sense of self. The quote "I had no idea

who I was or where I belonged. I was a nobody" (King, 2019, p. 12) reflects the profound

impact of power structures on his sense of self. It also exemplifies Beebe's feelings of

alienation and marginalization, as he is unable to reconcile his lived experiences with the

dominant narratives that seek to define him. Through this portrayal, King challenges the
status quo by shedding light on the ways in which dominant societal narratives and power

dynamics can constrain individual self-expression and cultural belonging. In addition, it

exposes the ways in which power can erode an individual's sense of cultural identity and

belonging.

Similarly, in the text "If Our Bodies Could Rust, We Would Be Falling Apart," Billy-Ray

Belcourt delves into the complex relationship between power structures and identity

formation, particularly in the context of Indigenous communities, and with a focus on the

influence of power dynamics. Belcourt's exploration of identity highlights the ways in which

societal power structures shape and constrain the identities of Indigenous individuals, often

imposing external definitions and limiting their ability to fully express their cultural heritage

and lived experiences

One example is Belcourt's statement, "The settler is a container that is made to shape what

and who we are" (Belcourt, 2020, p. 45), which underscores the pervasive influence of the

dominant settler society in defining, shaping and constraining the identities of Indigenous

peoples, as the power structures inherent in the settler-colonial system seek to define and

control the very essence of their being. Belcourt's work not only challenges the status quo

but also offers alternative perspectives on the complexities of identity, power, and cultural

belonging within marginalized communities.

Likewise, in the text "War", Lee Maracle further explores the complicated relationships

between power, society, and individual identity. Maracle's narrative explores how societal

expectations and power structures influence the characters' understanding of themselves often
shaping their sense of identity in profound ways and their place within the larger social and

cultural landscape.

One particularly powerful quote in the text is, "We are warriors. Our strength, our power, our

identity is in our land" (Maracle, 1993, p. 78)’. This statement emphasizes the deep-rooted

connection between land, power, and identity, illustrating how the characters' sense of self

and identities are intimately linked to their relationship with their ancestral territories.

Maracle's approach to identity and resistance offers alternative perspectives on the status quo,

challenging the dominant narratives that seek to constrain the identities of marginalized

communities.

Across these three texts, the authors share a common theme in their exploration of how

identity and power structures within society, family, and relationships shape and constrain

individual and collective identities. Whether it is Beebe Hill's sense of insignificance in

"Totem," the influence of the "settler" in shaping Indigenous identities in "If Our Bodies

Could Rust, We Would Be Falling Apart," or the deep-rooted connection between land,

power, and identity in "War," these works shed light on the ways in which power dynamics

can profoundly impact the formation and expression of identity. Each author, in their unique

way, challenges the status quo and offers alternative perspectives on the complexities of

identity formation and the ways in which power structures shape and constrain individual and

collective identities.

Through their respective narratives, King, Belcourt, and Maracle highlight the struggles that

individuals face in understanding and asserting their identities within the context of dominant

power structures. The authors' explorations of identity intersect and complement one another,

providing a multilayered understanding of the relationship between identity, power, and

cultural belonging. The implications of this examination extend beyond the individual, as it

prompts us to consider the broader societal implications of these power dynamics. By

engaging with these common themes, readers can gain a more holistic understanding of the

complexities of identity and the crucial role that power structures play in shaping individual

and collective experiences.

One prominent thread that connects these texts is the authors' exploration of how dominant

societal narratives and power dynamics can limit the ability of marginalized individuals to

fully embrace and express their identities. The texts challenge the status quo, shedding light

on the need to recognize and dismantle the oppressive systems that limit self-determination.

For example, in "Totem," King's exploration of Beebe's identity challenges the dominant

societal narratives that constrain individual self-expression and cultural belonging. Similarly,

Belcourt's work in "If Our Bodies Could Rust, We Would Be Falling Apart" offers alternative

perspectives on the ways in which individuals can navigate the complexities of identity

formation in the face of oppressive power structures. Maracle's approach to identity and

resistance in "War" further encourages a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in

the struggle for identity and its profound implications.

Moving forward, further exploration and research on the intersections of identity, power, and

resistance could yield valuable insights into the ways in which individuals can navigate the

constraints imposed by dominant power structures. By fostering a more inclusive and

equitable society that celebrates the diversity of identities, we can work towards a future
where all individuals are empowered to fully embrace and express their unique and

multifaceted senses of self.