The Problem and Change Surrounding Identity

Identity, also known as personal identity, is defined as possessing distinguishing traits that are evident in one’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects and contribute to one’s uniqueness. However, identity is much more than that, particularly in the modern world. These days, one’s identity is based on a wide range of factors, including likes and dislikes, race and ethnicity, physical appearance, mental ability, and much more. A person’s identity can shift and change depending on the people they choose to surround themselves with and what those people say that can alter a person's view of themselves entirely. According to Ph.D. candidates in anthropology, which is the study of humanity and uncovering our distinctiveness, they collectively agree that identity is something that holds the key to life’s purpose and represents an individual’s way of expressing themselves, independent of other people or their surroundings, and true to themselves. 

Scientific American, a highly regarded and trustworthy source that has been publishing articles that share insightful information about science, personal growth, and health since 1845, explores the profound implications of identity. They share the idea that today’s identity is based on many factors that aren’t related to a person’s personal well-being, but rather external factors. 

People need to have a firm sense of identity and of their place in the world, and for many the pace and magnitude of such change can be alienating. This is because our sense of self is a fundamental organizing principle for our own perceptions, feelings, attitudes and actions. Typically it is anchored in our close interpersonal relationships, such as with our friends, family and partners, and in the variety of social groups and categories that we belong to and identify with—our nationality, religion, ethnicity, profession. It allows us to predict with some confidence how others will view us and treat us. (Hogg, The Search for Social Identity Leads to ‘Us’ versus ‘Them’)

This passage by Michael Hogg speaks directly to the public and those who are experiencing an identity crisis. He talks about how people seek out other people’s approval and how choosing a particular group has a big impact on one’s identity. People who become mentally or physically attached to a group of people seek advice, acceptance, or guidance for actions they believe are right, from as simple as colouring their hair to as drastic as moving abroad because of certain group beliefs. These beliefs have the power to alter a person’s identity based on a group's race, ethnicity, tradition, religion, or pleasure. In this passage, Dr. Hogg discusses the true crisis of personal identity alteration created by groups, and he aims to address the issue head-on.

As was previously mentioned, identity is a fundamental aspect of who people are and can be changed by a variety of groups and circumstances. However, words can also have an impact on an individual’s identity, as The New York Times discussed. Since the New York Times has been publishing articles since 1851, it is recognized as one of the most significant publishers in North America and seen as a very reputable source. They offer readers a wide range of viewpoints on persistent issues while providing a trustworthy window into the world, in this case, a window into words that affect someone's identity. 

Language has always had power. Words can hurt, offend and provoke, but they can also empower, uplift and inspire. They can even change culture. Language has always evolved, and that is certainly true for language related to race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. Words and terms like BIPOC, P.O.C., she/her, he/him, they/them, nonbinary, LGBTQIA+, antiracism, white privilege and microaggression might have been unfamiliar to most people even a decade ago. “African American” is sometimes being superseded by “Black,” with a capital “B.” The term “queer” has been reclaimed by some, but still reads as hate speech to others. (Gonchar, Holtermann, When Talking About Identity, How Much Do Words Matter?)

This section highlights how language can both harm and empower a person’s identity, and it explores how language has evolved along with the power that words possess. Words have the power to challenge a person’s sense of self, using words like “queer” or “nonbinary” provide labels that resonate with experiences and help validate a person’s identity. However, words can act like fire, if used incorrectly they can burn, influencing how people perceive themselves and perceive others. Words can also confuse people with their own identity. 

In Chicago, Kelsey O’Donnell, 31, wonders why colleagues and friends have suddenly started saying “BIPOC,” an acronym that encompasses individuals who are Black, Indigenous or other people of color. Where had it come from? “There was really nobody to ask,” says Ms. O’Donnell, who is white. “It was just, ‘This is what we say now.’(Gonchar, Holtermann, When Talking About Identity, How Much Do Words Matter?)

This passage, which comes from a woman in Chicago, Kelsey O’Donnell, captures the confusion that results from language’s rapid evolution as well as her, and many other people’s experiences, adjusting to shifts in language related to identity. 

In conclusion, personal identity is comprised of a complex range of attributes that go beyond simple physical, mental, and emotional qualities. In today’s world, beliefs, groups, words, and influences can confuse someone’s personal identity. Additionally, identity has changed over the years and has influenced every living creature on the earth; it is vital to be true to your identity because it is an essential aspect of who you are.  

Works Cited

Griffiths, Melanie. “Identity.” Oxford Bibliographies, 29 June 2015, https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199766567/obo-9780199766567-0128.xml. Accessed 7 February 2024.

Hogg, Michael A. “The Search for Social Identity Leads to 'Us' versus 'Them.'” Scientific American, 1 September 2019, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-search-for-social-identity-leads-to-us-versus-them/. Accessed 8 February 2024.

Holtermann, Callie. “When Talking About Identity, How Much Do Words Matter? (Published 2021).” The New York Times, 22 November 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/22/learning/when-talking-about-identity-how-much-do-words-matter.html. Accessed 8 February 2024.

“What is Anthropology? — Anthropology.” UC Davis – Anthropology, https://anthropology.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate/what-is-anthropology. Accessed 8 February 2024.