Crafting Ourselves

There are more than just physical aspects and traits that define who we are and where we come from. These factors are what create us as unique individuals, with particular strengths and traits.

Mickey Mouse

Tied to this is the culture and tradition that we have been introduced to, and have adopted into the way we approach situations in our lives. These characteristics are largely geographically and customarily based; it is clearly shown throughout our endeavors with different empires in our Humanities Core courses that one custom meant to convey alliance and politeness may be seen as barbaric and uncivilized in another. Specifically, the thick, layered garb that the Spanish preferred to wear seemed preposterous to the indigenous peoples of America, who opted for less form-fitted, versatile clothing. However, to the Spanish, who had become accustomed to societal standards that promoted that of conservative dress, indigenous clothing seemed scandalous and primitive. Of course, there is no single correct way on how to dress. Simply put, the colliding ideas of society brought conflict, because of miscommunication, as well as differing standards.

Clothing and Garb during Spanish Colonial Era

Religion is another form of identity that is not a tangible entity. The ideologies that stem from religion influence the way an individual carries themselves, and approaches a situation. Their values are connected to the ideas that have provided a backbone in the morals and ethics taught to an individual. However, religion is not a necessity for all individuals. The ideologies of Atheism and Agnosticism are not classified as religion, as they are not a system of beliefs to be followed. Still, these influence an individual’s outlook on the world. These ideologies help define values and serve as a guide for some individuals, while it may not be a supporting pillar for others. Because there is a wide spectrum as to what an individual chooses to believe, we can therefore classify religion/no religion as a way to further define one’s identity.

Political views are a popular way to express one’s identity. Especially with the rising spike of the prevalence of media in our world, it is difficult to elude the strong ideologies that have the capability to influence one’s way of thinking and approach to the world. On the other hand, it can also be a defining factor that allows one to distinguish their beliefs. Thee wide range that one can classify themselves under the political spectrum gives endless possibilities as to how one considers their place and contribution to society. As Americans, we are privileged to be given the opportunity to make choices that allows for society to follow through on their ideologies, even if it can change at a moment’s notice (through voting in an election). This is a prevalent shift in ideologies in between the same people (Americans). However, there are also instances where we would like to distinguish and associate ourselves with differing identities.

We often associate ourselves with distinctions that make us unique. This way of thinking is so intrinsically tied to our ideologies and approach to the world that we use it as a gradient placeholder to establish our identities at home and abroad. An example would be how many of us would refer to our ethnic backgrounds when we are at home, so to make a distinction of our origins and our customs to others. In commonplaces (such as an American school, etc.), for example, we wouldn’t refer to ourselves as American; simply stated, it is a given obvious for the general population that they would also fall under the same category. In this sense, we would consider our ethnic backgrounds to distinguish ourselves from others.

However, when we are traveling abroad, we often refer to our identities by our nationalities, as opposed to what we are ethnically. Although we embody values and ideologies upheld in both the nationalistic and our ethnic perspectives, we often wish to distinguish ourselves from others. This is with the exception of the Olympic games, to the extent of which we are rooting for the competitors of our own country. However, if seen from an international perspective, we, as enthusiastic Americans cheering on our favorite athletes, we can also define our pride as distinguishing our representatives from the others around the world.

Passion is yet another factor in determining and establishing identity. One’s interests and talents distinguish one from another, and also emphasizes the characters and values in a specific individual. One’s talent is an extension of one’s individuality because it portrays an image unique to each individual. An individual with a passion in music can effectively convey their emotions and ideas through song. The production of beautiful music is created and understood no matter what race, age, or socioeconomic status. Dance, painting, acting, etc. all convey powerful emotion felt by an audience who understands and processes the same emotions, regardless of their geographic placement. Passion is unique from these other qualities because it evokes intrinsic emotion, and is universally understood.

One’s identity is not limited to these factors discussed above. Other external influences on our identity include our surroundings and our atmosphere (including your geographic placement, as well as the way that society is run). Individuals, such as parents, teachers, and friends, are a major influence on how one reacts to their environment, and creates their own identity. Just as significant are the institutions to which these individuals are exposed to in order to learn and adopt these ideologies. Especially prevalent today is the breakthrough of media that influences the way we act and think. Today, there is a constant, endless stream of news feeds, entertainment feeds, YouTube and blogs available at our fingertips at a moment’s notice. This helps spread such discussed factors, and allow an individual to provoke and promote inspiration, change, creativity, and development.

Our identity is not only what we have created inside of us, but is also the product of what our society crafts us to be. It is up to our individual selves to decide what ideologies to uphold.