Identity is a fundamental part of all humans. Whether one’s identity consumes their personality or lies in the shadow of their persona, all humans share this personality trait. Identity is defined as the distinctive characteristic belonging to any given individual or shared by all members of a particular social category or group. In cognitive psychology, the techicange definition of the term "identity" refers to the capacity for self-reflection and the awareness of self.(Leary & Tangney 2003, p. 3)The Weinreich definition directs attention to the totality of one's identity at a given phase in time, with its given components such as one's gender identity, ethnic identity, occupational identity as well as many more.. The definition is applicable…
Many adolescents struggle with finding who they are and how they fit into this world.…
Is it correct that all African-Americans are good at sports? It seems that people often mess up one’s identity with how his or her looks . However, I strongly believe that one’s identity is chosen by oneself instead of anyone else. In this essay, I will explain my opinions by the following reasons and supporting details.…
“ The article talks about watching on videotape does not alter our perception. It also talks about how our intimates and those who spend the most time with us know us best. But, even strangers have myriad cues to know who we are: clothes, musical preferences, or even Facebook postings. It also talks about how our parents and friends have different appearances about who we are. Our parents say that we are beautiful and smart, and they do mean it because they love us for who we are. “…
In this paper, I will investigate the "Problem of Personal Identity". The particular scenario I will respond to is: "Suppose that sometime in the future a crazy scientist creates a perfect clone of you. The clone has a qualitatively identical body to yours and has the same memories as you as well as same voice, character, and so on. How would yo convince a court of law that the clone is not really you? What theory of personal identity would help you to make your case" (Rauhut, 2011, p. 125)? First I will clarify key terms, and then I will apply those terms in my analysis of the question. Then I will close out by reflecting on my conclusion and some insights I gained about the Problem of Personal Identity.…
There are a myriad of ways that we can form our identity. Identity reflects who we are, how we learn, grow and develop. Parenting styles, culture, and growth from one stage into another stage are some of the factors that affect our identity and makes us different from others. The primary goal of psychology is to describe, explain, predict, and control those fields which become a part of our identity. As we learn, identity includes sets of characteristics that describe different facets of each individual, such as our reactions, our behaviors, our feelings and our thoughts. It is what makes each and every one of us different and unique.…
To better understand why destroying ancient cultural heritage sites and artifacts can be considered a form of ethnic cleansing, I turn to Social Identity Theory. As described by Danielle Renee Clark (2014), “Social identity theory is the social psychological process that prompts group affiliation and identity formation, intergroup conflict, and subsequently fosters links between groups and any relevant cultural heritage property.” (Clark, 2014, 9) Membership to a group is sought out to form a self-identity, while group identity is developed through intragroup cohesion (i.e., shared culture). “Membership in a group leads to the systematic comparison, differentiation, and derogation of other groups.” (Stein, 1996, 94)…
Optimal distinctive theory and self-categorization theory hold that association moderately distinctive social categories should be more central to self-conception. The University of Kent has down a few studies to prove that optimal distinctiveness and young people’s expression through musical preference. Children are often characterized by their tendency to associate with peers rather than their parents, to rely on networks of friends with musical, sporting and other subcultures. These theories and studies help us revolutionize the understanding of a child’s musical preference.…
While some individuals fall into society’s influential traps, many stay true to themselves even when outside forces try to persuade them otherwise. Identity is a mysterious, constantly changing idea, and each individual has their own. It is important that other individuals avoid influencing others, as this will allow for greater self identification among individuals, as opposed to mass conformity to society's views. An individual's actions dictate how their identity is lived out. The values an individual has form the base of a strong identity, and their beliefs give them the motivation to act when their identity and way of life is…
One’s own identity is derived not by circumstances, but rather by his or her experiences, moral values, as well as motivation. Especially in today’s media, people love to read or watch about impossible stories of rags-to-riches, and they try to incorporate those stories’ motivational plots into their quest to become successful. I concur with Thomas Merton in that I believe “identity is much more than the name or features one is born with. True identity is something people must create for themselves.” One’s origin does not fully account for one’s identity, but it is shaped rather by actions and perception of self. Ideals from “People Inside Me”, “Cut”, and “Commencement Speech at Mount Holyoke College” all influence my point of view regarding…
There is an unfortunate reality in that there are millions of people around the world who are willing to do almost anything, even lose themselves, just so they can be accepted and become part of the crowd. To keep things in perspective, wanting to be accepted, wanting to fit in is not exactly a bad thing. In fact, it’s basic human nature for survival and social growth, and it starts at a very young age. During our developmental years, we feel the need to be accepted or be worthy of acceptance. This can’t be met when you are isolated, other people have to be involved if these needs are to be met.…
According to Erik Erikson, adolescence is marked by the child’s questioning his or her identity during what he refers to as the identity versus identity confusion developmental stage. During this phase, the adolescent becomes mindful of his or her identity and seeks his or her purpose in life, as well as the answer to the eternal question, “who am I?” In their quest to find their sense of self, adolescents experiment with different personalities and roles. Some teenagers display rebellious behavior, which is normal, as they experience a flood of countless emotions. The teens that are able to cope with the differing identities are able to form a new identity that they can accept. On the other hand, those who cannot cope during this experimental period suffer what Erikson calls identity confusion, where they either withdraw themselves from everyone else, or they lose themselves in their peers.…
In the reading of “Personal Identity” by Joseph Butler, we are able to isolate a controversy discussed by two philosophical minds. Butler and Locke, discuss whether identity can be seen through ones actions or ones consciences. One can ask is identity is an object that can attained or quality that can be seen through ones actions? Identity is a characteristic that can be seen through ones personal beliefs and moral grounds. Locke argues that identity is based ones conscience, thus proving that identity is based on ones beliefs and moral grounds.…
Identity is something human beings hold dear. Humans are very complex beings and it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes up who a person is or can be. Now, the most common generalizations as to what makes up an identity are: personality, likes, dislikes, experience(s), religion, soul, memories and beliefs. A physical form isn’t mentioned; because the body is a temporary thing. A body doesn’t necessarily mean that it is part of the identity since; what will last forever in not the body but the impact left by personality or ideas, for they are everlasting.…
As a 39 year old black female born in the United States to a black father from St. Kitts, Virgin Islands and a black mother from Tortola, British Virgin Islands, I count myself privileged to have the best of both worlds. Primarily because I was born as an American citizens and am yet able to identify myself as a member of family heritage culture and heritage.…