Zuckerberg's Hoodie Essay

An individual has no direct influence with the creation of his or her identity, however, identity is a factor of life that is constantly being added onto by the means of the environment, society, and life experiences. In the readings, “Why Is Everyone Focused on Zuckerberg’s Hoodie?” by Somini Sengupta, Alice Walker’s “Oppressed Hair Puts a Ceiling on the Brain” and “What Goes Through Your Mind: On Nice Parties and Casual Racism” by Nicole Chung ; society, personal barriers, and race had apparent effects on each respective author’s views on identity. Identity is not an exact formula, it is instead a constant battle between oneself and the outside world.

Race is a factor of life that is constantly being judged by society. Society has created individuals who judge others on skin color, and ethnicity; spawning hate and spreading acceptance of different set of standards to each race. “Largely about what wealthy… white men wear in silicon valley and wall street” (Sengupta 228). Race is part of the identity, most of the time it determines how you are treated by others, how one’s life is lived, and which stereotypes are carried. “... from racist people who think all Asians look the same! or ...Why on earth would you say something like that?” (Chung para. 9). Race is the
Family and communities are vital in growth, however, growth of character is a personal journey. The routes taken such as changing or accepting oneself, it is these uncontrollable situations that determines the development of an individual’s identity. “Not my friend hair itself, for I quickly understood that it was innocent… it was the way I related to it that was the problem.” (Walker 1090). An individual may choose to pay mind to the outside view of how your life should be run, however, it is he who decides if his identity changes, it is he who allows his identity to become affected by these