Identity & Cultural Identity Chapter 7

Identity & Cultural Identity Defining “Identity” & “Cultural Identity” Many definitions exist Cultural Iceberg Separating the two

Forms of Identities Racial Identity Ethnic Identity Biological links Based on Appearance “Original 3” - Mongoloid, Caucasoid, Negroid Opposes Science & Reality Persists due to History Ethnic Identity Linked to “Shared” History, Values, Traditions, Experiences, etc. i.e. Mexican-American, Hmong-American, Sunnis, Shiite, etc. Tend to dilute over time

Forms of Identities Gender Identity Organizational Identity Linked to “Masculine vs Feminine” views of a culture Influences Concept of Beauty, Roles of its Members, How to Judge Behavior Organizational Identity Linked to Formal Group Memberships (professional / social) More Important in Collectivistic cultures i.e. Rotary member, Babe Ruth Coach, PC College Student

Forms of Identities National Identity Regional Identity Usually linked to “born” nation Becomes more pronounced when away from home country Regional Identity Linked to Geographic Areas i.e. Californian, Southern, Bay Area, North Side, South Side

Forms of Identities Personal Identity Cyber & Fantasy Identity Individualistic cultures look to separate from others Collectivistic cultures look to assimilate with others Most commonly seen in dress, fashion, hairstyles Cyber & Fantasy Identity Your “imaginary persona” Usually maximizes good qualities, omit your negative Facebook, Comic Con, Dating websites

“Zipfs Law” ACTIVITY: Name an oil painting that is being displayed in a museum somewhere in the world Zipfs Law: We don’t have time for so much information so we have lots of these “mosts” or “best” examples which we use to personify the category

The Dark Side of Identity Basic Principles Remember, Identity is about Similarities and Differences Likely have more tolerance of “Similar” This can adversely influence “Different” cultural interactions Stereotyping Def: “complex mental categorization system” Not inherently negative Learned by culture: family, tv, movies, etc. Negative when the stereotype contradicts research How to Fix: Use “flexible stereotyping”

The Dark Side of Identity Prejudice Def: “deeply held negative feelings associated with a particular group” Often include anger, fear, anxiety Very rigid and irrational generalizations Targets social class, sex, sexual orientation, age race, political affiliation Many causes: norms, identity, scapegoating The Fixes: Personal Contact (better if working towards common goal) Education

The Dark Side of Identity Racism Def: “belief in inherent superiority of a specific race” Extension of Stereotyping, Prejudice Belief success/failure of society depends on genetics Targets race, religion, nationality, sexual preference, etc The Fix: Is very difficult to achieve We have to first admit to our racist beliefs and actions Four Steps: Be Honest with Yourself Object to Racist Jokes / Insults Respect Freedom Examine Historical Roots of Racism

“The plague of racism is insidious, entering our minds as smoothly and quietly and invisibly as floating airborne microbes enter into our bodies to find lifelong purchase in our bloodstreams” - Maya Angelou