Race and Identity Essay Example

Every individual has a distinct identity that shapes his or her life. Identity can be defined by natural factors such as birth and place of origin or by beliefs and values that a person adopts in the course of life. Everyone has a natural identity that they get by the culture in which they were born. With identity comes many stereotypes, expectations, and misunderstandings that can harm the harmonious coexistence of people in society if not controlled. My core identities are African-American, Liberal minded and Humanistic minded person. Identity shapes values and beliefs in life and acts as a foundation of human behavior.

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Race is the most common determinant of identity. It has been acknowledged since early human civilization and its effects are evident to date. I am an African American woman. I acknowledge that I have some of my roots from the African continent and share in its history. Unfortunately, some societies discriminate people based on their race. Racial injustice is among the most common vices in both the formal and informal sector (Crichlow 34). Until the recent past, racial discrimination was prevalent, and the African American people bore the brunt of the associated atrocities. My life revolves around school, family, and work allowing me to interact with many people from all walks of life. A common misconception in contemporary society is that African American people are less productive in places of work and idea generation. As much as racial equality is advocated for, some organizations still disregard it and discriminate people based on their identities. Numerous campaigns have been started to champion for equality of the Whites, the African Americans and Hispanics.

I am a liberal minded individual. This identity factor defines my life because I always focus on the outcome of a deed as opposed to the conventional rules that majority use in their lives. I believe in trying new things and deriving lessons and benefits from them. This factor drove me to pursue college education despite my adult age because I want to learn new things and make a successful career. Most societies fail to develop due to ingrained bureaucracies that limit the abilities of their inhabitants (Mullings 65). Liberalism leads to changes and works against social notions that hinder community development.

Another primary identity is my humanistic mind. I believe everyone has something to offer in society leading to cordial relationships and happy living. The most important asset that a person has is his or her brain. The brain is adaptive, and through conditioning, it captures lessons that inspire life choices and values (Thomas et al. 4154). Life experiences lead to consequences that may either be good or bad. Humans tend to maximize the favorable consequences from an action. I joined college with a patient mind that I will work hard, finish my studies, get a job and work to be an independent daughter to my parents and granddaughter to my grandparents.

Choices and behaviors are defined by identity. Race is common in virtually all societies of the modern world due to migration and settlement in other regions. Identity is a positive factor in society because it defines the diversity of a population leading to exchanges of ideas and values that shape culture at large. Identity should be respected lest vices such as racial discrimination and ethnic violence develop in contemporary societies.

Works Cited

Crichlow, Warren, ed. Race, Identity, and Representation in Education. Routledge, 2013.

Mullings, Leith. On our own terms: Race, class, and gender in the lives of African-American Women. Routledge, 2014.

Thomas, Kyle J., and Sally S. Simpson. Social Learning Theory. Encyclopedia of Criminology and Criminal Justice (2014): 4951-4963.