Reflecting Identity: What, How, and Why?
By Gregory Cioffi
EDI 550/551 Psychology of Adolescent Students
School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
May 22, 2009
Identity, to me, is what makes an individual unique, and although the world is filled with similar people, no two beings are exactly the same. It is identity that provides an individual with a sense of self that ultimately defines them. Relating this notion to adolescents strikes interest with me, because I think that High School is a time of transition, and a time where students are trying to “find themselves.”
If students are trying to figure out who they are, do they have a fixed identity? Does their identity change as they try on different “hats” being though who they are is in a constant state of flux? After pondering these questions I am still not entirely sure. It seems logical that ones true identity is most likely modifying itself as people, themselves, change.
Another fascinating point: is there an identity that defines a particular group or culture? Do factors such as race, gender, nationality, and religion categorize people to the point where they are labeled as a collective identity? I think to some degree this definitely goes on. If true, then these identities would also be constantly altered as societal norms shift and change as time progresses.
I think our discussion of stereotypes fits in nicely with this idea of a cultural identity as well, as we discussed issues such as how different cultures handle things like education very differently. Like stereotypes, I think we run a dangerous and unfair risk by accepting most cultural identities. Although generalizations may be true, can we really conjure up one element that is undeniably true for any specific group of people? I think that would be culpable.
I find it ironic how the majority of my journal entry on “identity” deals with a collective identity rather than individuals' oneness. So what have I learned about identity? Identity is an impermanent definition of any human being. However, identity is also used to congregate individuals who uncontrollably have something common. Therefore, identity, depending on how you look at it, can both justly or unjustly characterize you.
Long Island University, C. W. Post
May 22, 2009
Identity, to me, is what makes an individual unique, and although the world is filled with similar people, no two beings are exactly the same. It is identity that provides an individual with a sense of self that ultimately defines them. Relating this notion to adolescents strikes interest with me, because I think that High School is a time of transition, and a time where students are trying to “find themselves.”
If students are trying to figure out who they are, do they have a fixed identity? Does their identity change as they try on different “hats” being though who they are is in a constant state of flux? After pondering these questions I am still not entirely sure. It seems logical that ones true identity is most likely modifying itself as people, themselves, change.
Another fascinating point: is there an identity that defines a particular group or culture? Do factors such as race, gender, nationality, and religion categorize people to the point where they are labeled as a collective identity? I think to some degree this definitely goes on. If true, then these identities would also be constantly altered as societal norms shift and change as time progresses.
I think our discussion of stereotypes fits in nicely with this idea of a cultural identity as well, as we discussed issues such as how different cultures handle things like education very differently. Like stereotypes, I think we run a dangerous and unfair risk by accepting most cultural identities. Although generalizations may be true, can we really conjure up one element that is undeniably true for any specific group of people? I think that would be culpable.
I find it ironic how the majority of my journal entry on “identity” deals with a collective identity rather than individuals' oneness. So what have I learned about identity? Identity is an impermanent definition of any human being. However, identity is also used to congregate individuals who uncontrollably have something common. Therefore, identity, depending on how you look at it, can both justly or unjustly characterize you.
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