January 28: Labels and a person’s sense of self; the influences on identity
February 16, 2008 by chantellesthoughts
An identity is formed and shaped by more than one aspect in ones life. When you are growing up, your parents are your main role models. They are the ones that start to shape your identity. You look up to them and you learn certain qualities from them, such as, the difference between right and wrong, or how you are to act around people. As you grow older however, more people and things start to influence your identity. Friends for example. You want to be like your friends, so your identity is influenced by them. For example, when I was younger I wanted so much just to fit in with everyone, especially the popular girls. I tried so hard to be like them, but it wasn’t who I was. If I was to become like them I would have been labeled as Snobby, or Arrogant. I would have been a totally different person. As I grew older I had one very close friend who is still a close friend and she alone influenced my identity. Because of her, I have become more aware of my surroundings. I don’t try to be like other people. I respect myself for me.
Another influence on identity can be ones beliefs/religions. Some may think this is crazy but i feel it is true. For me, I have grown up in a religious family. I have grown accustomed to going to church every week. I feel that I am a very faithful person. If I had not grown up with God in my life, that part of my identity would be different. I may not have had a religion.
Little things such as your appearance, interests, hobbies, you name it, can all influence your identity. If you were dress in clothes that made you look ‘easy’, you could be labeled as “whore” or “slut”. People could label you just from your interests or hobbies as well. Even though it may not be the whole entire YOU! http://www.personal-development.com/chuck/labels.htm
The media plays a huge role in a persons identity. You see all these actors/actresses, singers, models, etc. You want to be like them. If you aren’t though, you question yourself. Y ou feel you are not good enough to a part of society. Due to society some young teens have developed eating disorders so they can be ’skinny’ like a certain actress. The labels that are developed in media are sickening. The make viewers feel less of themselves if you don’t look like that. I know I used to feel not as good because I didn’t look a certain way, or dress a certain way. For me, media has played an enormous role in shapping my identity.
There are so many things that shapes ones identity, and the people who influence will never stop influencing it. My identity isn’t written in stone. It never will be. Just like yours will never be definite. Parts of ones identity will be the same, but others with either change, or be forgotten about.
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Chantelle,
I really enjoyed reading your blog entry here. I like how you point out specific parts of identity that we are influenced by, such as individual sense of self and religion. I’m obviously curious, as I’m sure any other reader would be, who this “one” particular close friend is that has been such an influence on you. Along with that, though, I would challenge you to imagine the type of person he or she would have become if not for your own influence on them, as it always seems to be a two-way street.
Your final statement, that parts may stay the same, while others change or be forgotten was a great ending to your post. It reminds me of an interesting thing that happened when I was in Regina a few weekends ago for the Teacher’s Conference. I met a few of the teachers I had in middle years when I lived at my old home before my family moved away. After catching up with these people, now, I find it so interesting and wonder what impression they walked away from after our talk. I can clearly see I am nothing like the girl they would have taught, because, as you say, parts of our identity change or are forgotten, but they wouldn’t have forgotten. I thought it would have been wonderful if they could have candidly described for me the impression they had of that timid, shy girl, but in the end it is only important that she is no longer timid nor shy. Some things change, you’re right, and it becomes a very cool moment for you when you can look back and see that change quite distinctly.
Cool reflections. Thanks for sharing!
M
Chantelle,
I really enjoyed reading this blog. I think it was well written and had a great background on your personal life. It was intersting to know what influences your life, as it is very different from what influences mine. I like how you ended it as well. Summing everything up to what you written about – how your identities can change. The video you used ( which also happens to be the same video I used in my blog) perfectly describes this entry, and the specific examples you used! I agree with you completely that media will change who you are – especially if you let it. I look forward to commenting on other entries of yours!
Chantel
I have to agree with Ms. Waldner on this one. You put alot of time into this one and have done a very good job. Everything you mention about who shapes your identity when growing up gets me thinking and realizing that I have shaped my identity on the same ways as you. Many people forget how much their parents help them out and get on the right tracks since they we knee high. I also agree with you on the part about trying to fit in with your friends. They should respect you for who you are. Good job on the entry Chantelle!