The key idea within Simon During’s article “Debating Identity” is that one’s cultural beliefs, and societal location, have adverse impacts when obtaining an identity.
During makes several mentions of how the three concepts, culture, location and belief, are interrelated in defining one’s identity, stating that “societies, identities and individuals do not exist independently of one another, and at a theoretical level, it is meaningless to criticise identities in general for depriving individuals of individuality. During also defines the two key concepts of identity; referring to an identity that is uncontrollably forced upon us, because of who we are (e.g. black, white, pakistani, aussie), as our “imposed identity”; as well as illustrating ones “self selected identity”, one that is, whether through the clothes we wear or the locations we reside, chosen by us.
During also relates much of identity to the notion of politics, consistently relating identity back to the concept. In this he claims that “politics are engaged on behalf of those with particular identities (usually historically disempowered ones) rather than organized on the basis of particular social policies or philosophies.”
An example of this would be the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, during which Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists, simultaneously, an action many interpreted as their way of opposing the inequality African Americans are faced with, in homeland America. The two also forewent shoes, paroding around in only socks, an action interpreted as symbolising many African Americans who could not afford such luxuries, as they were constantly overlooked for jobs due to race. As such, the olypians, who were acting due to the inequitable treatment they faced each day, were unknowingly fighting for the rights of entire race, due to the social identities they had both created and had imposed on them.
“Hybridity” is another important concept that emerges throughout the article, where an individual has more than simply one identity. An example of this would be a dark-skinned feminist who is not only fighting for equality in a gender sense, but also in a racial one. The idea surrounding identity is one that is etched into societies everyday existence. People ably make assumptions about those who they do not know, viewing people in terms of what they may be, rather then what they are. You may come to see a student on campus who is always sitting in the corner of the library, witnessing such a habit each and everyday, until you finally know him not by name, but rather as “guy who sits in corner” whilst also considering him “the nerd”. Identity is everywhere, as are peoples assumptions
P.s. Do you remember that guy from that movie with big ship? You know, the one who had blonde hair and tried to save the hot girl?
Ahh.
