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Identity and Privilege

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Submitted By madcookie
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What is Identity? How is an identity formed? What is privilege? Can there be freedom without true equality?

A person’s identity is what makes them unique, it sets them apart from their neighbors, friends and family. According to Webster’s Dictionary, identity is defined as: “The qualities, beliefs, etc., that make a particular person or group different from others”. However, it goes a lot deeper than just your beliefs and choices. Identity is at the core, the foundation of our existence and being. Our identities help or hinder our abilities in fitting into our social settings, as well as guide us on our journey throughout life. Our identity is basis of why we choose the decisions we do and the reasoning for why. My identity is based on the attributes I choose to accept or change, in which I carry around with me, making me different than you, Ms. Stokes. My name, appearance, ethnicity, religious and moral beliefs, actions and lifestyle choices are all part of my identity. This specific combination makes me unique and also, allows me to identify with other, like minded people, as we hold many similarities.

An identity is formed by many different factors and contributors, some even unaware of their hand in the process. As children and even adults, we are all affected by those in our presence and the words they say and actions they take. Usually, our family and those we spend the most time with will end up being the most impacting on who we become and the person we are shaped into. It is still our choice to sway with these ideas or to not conform to them; this is a key element in our fundamental formation into adulthood and life.

Privilege is what we have by virtue of birth. In essence, it is basically what we are born into regarding: wealth, social status, family class and much, much more. It can be both positive and negative as well as play a huge role

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