Identities Essay

Identity is who we are, even though it can be hard sometimes to find out exactly what that means. That is why our identities can be so easily changed and shaped by different things. This is especially true during our adolescent years, when we are vying for acceptance from others. Sometimes we are the ones who shape who we are. This can happen when we choose to ignore outside influences who would normally affect us. Nevertheless, most of the time we are shaped by other people. Human beings have a never ending want to be socially accepted. We are all insecure in our own way, leaving us prey to the influence of others. We are able to choose how we act and what we do, but even so we end up being changed by everyone who surrounds us. Although we have the freedom to make our own conscious decisions, ultimately the people around us shape who we are by the way they treat us.

Most people, unless they choose to be an outsider, want to be considered “cool.” Whether it’s to fit in with a peer group, or clique, or to impress someone in particular, like a member of the opposite sex, or a potential mate. Or possibly to gain something from an individual for financial or social gain (see “Scamming”).

Identity, the distinguishing of character and persona of an individual. Identity, the social construct that defines us as individuals. Self identity, the ideology in which the individual determines their own self worth. This seems like the idea to distinguish one’s own character; however it does apply to every human being. In many cases, including myself, it is society that is the main influence that molds the being. Its customs have impacted how these individuals think and behave in order for them to fit into its ideals, which can transform many to the point where they are living a totally different identity. Some of these individuals are boys and men who may not fit the perfect image of “masculine,” and may be ridiculed to the point where

Nowadays it is not uncommon that almost everyone has at least one profile on some sort of social networking site. The reason? To not feel left out. We post online to share what we are doing and how we are feeling. However, social media has influenced us in ways that were not initially planned. Our identities, the concept of what makes you, yourself. Identities are constantly evolving due to social media. We are posting online to make good impressions on the people who follow us. We snap photos and add filters to make ourselves look and feel better. Maybe someone will comment! What if nobody does? Do I delete it? These are constant questions and concerns that go through peoples’ minds during the time they post content. I know those questions run through my head each time I click the share button. It’s almost like we need validation from others for us to be ourselves. When I post, I wait to see the reaction of others, will they like it? When others post, I am constantly comparing myself to them. We are constantly comparing and evolving. Exactly like our identity. Our lives are increasingly more public now more than ever.

Identity is defined as, “The fact of being who or what a person or thing is”, by Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Identity isn't just who you are, it also decides what opportunities you may have and how you are perceived by others. When I began to think of what made up my identity my initial thought was “What will others think about me?” Society impacts many decisions we make, but our identity is something society should not determine, yet it still does. The pressure society puts on teenagers is overwhelming and can cause teenagers to hide their true identity in order to feel safe. It is normal for humans to crave the acceptance of others in order to be happy but not everyone will accept you someone truly is. I faced these same obstacles when

Identity is one’s morals, personality, and behavior. Society makes one act a certain way to make them try to fit in. Society plays a major role in shaping identity in different ways such as unemployment, racism, and poverty. In addition identity is influenced by the environment you live in or the people you hang around.

Identity theft is a term used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. Unlike your fingerprints, which are unique to you and cannot be given to someone else for their use, your personal data ¬ especially your Social Security number, your bank account or credit card number, your telephone calling card number, and other valuable identifying data ¬ can be used, if they fall into the wrong hands, to personally profit at your expense (Weisman).

The way in which others perceive us can occasionally play a part in the shaping our identity. Our teenage years and our desire to belong both significantly impact who we are today. However, in saying that, it’s evident that as we mature the opinions and views of other become less relevant and are less likely to affect our sense of identity. Your identity defines who you are and is something influenced by various contributing factors.

Our identity develops as we grow through our values and attitudes learned from home and community. These values and attitudes continue to change as our societal interactions grow through social media, friends and other outside interactions in society. I am a good example of this as my parents were very prejudice while growing up, I do not remember having those same thoughts. I cannot explain where that change took place but I do not have those beliefs. All of this in some way forms who we are. Diversity has many dimensions; gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, language, religious beliefs, education, occupation just to name a few. All of these form our identity making it critical to our

What is identity? When someone speaks of identity one might think of your action, habits, character, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or gender. However, when I think of identity, I think of where you come from and the things you learn that shape you into the person that you are today. I think identity is a collection of memories and interactions that we share with the people we encounter in our lifetime. I also believe your identity is something you develop about yourself that evolves over the course of your life. My family plays a big part in the person I am today. My great-grandmother was the woman who practically raised me. "She is without a doubt one of the most influential people in my life;" she taught me many life lessons at

The identity can be defined in some ways as a close similarity, affinity or having a strong links with your family and others. The society tends to judge us according to the image they have of our family. In reality, who we are and how we behave reflect to how our caregivers raise us. I grew up in a community where my family expect me to do good anytime, because they were scared about how my behavior can affect their reputation. My family, plays a crucial role in my life through shaping my identity.

Every person has groups of people who associate with them throughout their lives. They help by giving them a deeper understanding of who they are. These groups come from friendships, special interest groups, family, cultural groups and peers of the same age. Some might argue that it would be stupid to say that a person gains and develops their identity through the actions and opinions of others. However, it is evident that without the existence of other people, we won’t be able to form a complete sense of themselves. The person’s parents help by introducing them their culture and tradition, as well as help them in realising their own believes and values. For these reasons, there should be no hesitation we form our identity based on the many people and groups we interact with.

Identity in a sociological sense is more than individual genetics or individuality. Self identity is made up by many characteristics including; our personal experiences, beliefs, socio-economic status and other factors. Society plays a huge role in determining identity, although true identity generally isn’t a true reflection of an individual’s self identity. Over the generations there have been

Identity is made up of several different components. Identity can be made up from the qualities one possesses such as personality, ethnicity, gender, religion, and many more. These characteristics make us who we are. Many of the situations we go through to find who we aren’t ideal situations, but like Albert Einstein once wrote, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving forward.” With that being said, everything that people go through isn’t just for the hell of it. It’s meant to make you competent and to give you strength for the next “battle” you’ll have to face in life to find who you are and it is done in very different ways. Identity is developed during our early life from our family, we’re molded through

“Coming to terms” with or understanding one 's identity, like many things in life, is an evolutionary process. The ongoing search for identity begins initially by identifying our physical traits such as our gender, race, and ethnicity. True identity, however, is far beyond what meets the eye. Instead, the generation we are born into, the family we share, and experiences we have, all shape our views of the world and the role we play within it. Consequently, our identity ends up becoming influenced highly by the people around us, whether that be our family, friends, or a generation as a whole. This makes the evolution of identity easily influenced and less personal, as it is instead a culmination of characteristics, opinions, and actions of others, intertwined with our own.