The Structural Framings Of Your Identities

For this Discussion/Posting #4, you will engage in a reflection activity known as “The Structural Framings of Your Identities (‘For and In The Name of’).”

Please respond to at least two of your peer responses as well.

Total Points:  60 points

Here are my parameters (which will help guide you in terms of what I am looking for):

*Your Initial Post (you have to answer questions in an initial posting on every discussion):  This should be 250 words single-spaced.

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Please follow the instructions below.

• In the space below, jot down at least 1 of your ethnic/cultural identities and your national identity. Separate each with a line.
• Next, write down the two identities that you have that are most important to you. Jot down reasons as to why these are most important.
• Write down the most controversial identity you have to the larger society or government (one that is the most threatening to these entities). Explain why.
• Write down the identity you feel is most accepted by the larger society or government. Explain why.
• Write down the identity you find most difficult to share with friends and acquaintances. Explain why.
• Write down the identity of yours that your family and loved ones most know and refer to. Explain.
• Write down the identity of yours that is most negatively represented by the media. Explain why.
• Write down the identity that will get you the farthest in terms of your goals (money, jobs, success, achievement). Explain why.
• Write down the identity that you think you will hold near to your heart for the rest of your life. Explain why.
• Write down the identity that you feel holds the most stakes and risks for your future. Explain why.
• Go back and read what you wrote. Answer the following questions:  What do you notice about your responses? Do you feel torn between your many different identities?  Are you negotiating between identities? What are some larger issues of identity raised here?
• Your responses should demonstrate how our identities are always mediated by others and larger structures of power around us. Many structures of power and people are affected by our own identities and this may, in turn, influence which identity we highlight more than others and in specific contexts and with certain groups.  When responding to your peers in the discussion postings, engage what you noticed about each other’s reflections and responses.