1. Identity & Cultural Identity
Chapter 7

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. “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

8. 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”

9. 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

10. 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

11. “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