What is identity
- 1. Write down your own definition of Identity
- 2. 1. The set of behavioural or personal characteristics by which an individual is recognizable as a member of a group. 2. The quality or condition of being the same as something else. 3. The distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity; individuality. How do these definitions contradict each other?
- 3. Is your identity created or does it evolve naturally? How is identity formed? Who or what influences your identity? Are we born with our identities or do we acquire them along the way? (Nature vs. Nurture)
- 4. The construction of a personal identity can be somewhat difficult / problematic Young people are surrounded by influential imagery Can you think of any examples of this? It is no longer possible for an identity to just be constructed in a small community and influenced by a family Everything concerning our lives is ‘media saturated’ Can you explain this comment?
- 5. • When constructing an identity, young people make use of imagery derived from popular media. Hamley states that; • “It is becoming increasingly common for young children to have their own television and music systems in their bedrooms whilst also having easy and frequent access to magazines especially aimed at the ‘developing’ child and/or teenager. • “Such young people would also have a way of accessing the Internet be it at school or sometimes at home. However, it is fair to say that in some instances the freedom of exploring the web could be limited depending on the choice of the parents or teachers.”
- 6. “If young people have such frequent access and an interest in the media, it is fair to say that their behaviour and their sense of ‘self’ will be influenced to some degree by what they see, read, hear or discover for themselves” This can affect the way they behave, dress or the kind of music they may listen to. These are aspects which go together to construct a person’s own personal identity. Can you think of any examples of this? This article was written in 2003. Can you think of any changes that have affected ‘young peoples’ access to media since then?
- 7. He classifies identity as an ‘ambiguous and slippery’ term; Identity is something unique to each of us, but also implies a relationship with a broader group; Identity can change according to our circumstances; Can you think of any examples of this? Online identity Professional identity Personal identity Identity is fluid and is affected by broader changes; Identity becomes more important to us if we feel it is threatened;
- 8. “Identity is complicated everybody thinks they’ve got one” Religious and national identities are at the heart of major international conflicts The average teenager can create numerous identities in a short space of time (Especially using the Internet, social networking sites, etc.) We like to think we are unique, but Gauntlett questions whether this is an illusion, and we are all much more similar than we think.
- 9. In pairs write or draw a definition of Britishness
- 10. “Britishness is a term referring to a sense of national identity of the British people, and common culture of the UK” Frederic P. Miller, Britishness: British People, Culture of the United Kingdom (2009) Has the perception of Britishness changed over time? In pairs think of some examples of this
- 11. From the ‘Stiff Upper Lip’ to ‘Brits Abroad’ Is this a fair image of the development of British culture?
- 12. Britishness is a form of identity so therefore cannot be defined in strict terms It’s a flexible and evolving term which takes into account the constantly changing country
- 13. Think about your own personal identity and who or what has influenced it. Create an ‘Identity Box’ containing 3-4 things that have affected or have become a part of your identity. These will be presented to the class next lesson.