Markeith Jones
English 1100
Professor Young
September 10, 2015
What Does Identity Mean
How important is your identity? I know of an author who took her identity very seriously. Gloria Anzaldua wrote "How to Train a Wild Tongue." She explained the value of her identity and being herself by not changing who she was to satisfy others. She spoke Spanglish to in the book to help readers to understand the rich cultural conditions of the borderlines, and to show non Spanish readers what it is like to use a language they did not understand. I feel like Anzaldua was right to try and prove her point. Her school teacher told her speak American. She defended her reasoning by explaining the many different ways of speaking English as well as Spanish. I agree, because the United States is a fully diverse country with many cultures and languages, therefore there is no American language to truly speak. Anzaldua said "I am my language" when speaking of her identity. She was proud of her language and of her heritage. Identity is important because it defines who you are.
Identity is a vital piece of all our lives. What exactly is identity? Your identity is the unique characteristics that make you who you are. So it does not only apply to language. You can be know for your style, religion, attitude, personality, and many other things. Sometimes it does not come down to what you want. There could be a misconception of you by others and you Just be seen for something or someone you are not. It is how you are remembered and how you would be described to someone who has yet to see or meet you. Your identity make you unique because there is no one else like you. We all have our special ways of separating ourselves from other people. I definitely consider myself to be one of a kind.
I believe identity is important in order to make an impact. Gloria Annals us used her language to contribute to her identity. When she stated that she was her language, she identified herself. She spoke Spanish and English but wanted to be known for being Mexican. She spoke Spanglish and was often punished for not speaking English in school. But on the flip side, she was ridiculed by her own people for not sticking to Spanish and instead "speaking the oppressor's language." It was important for her to endure that hardship from other people.
I will speak a little about my identity. I am considered to be funny, playful, prankster. I like to make people laugh and have a good time. But at the same time some people say I look mean. That's because I can really quiet around people I don't know. That's why in my classes I just sit and stay quiet. I high school, I use to be one of the livest ones in the class. When I get upset I can be pretty mean and stubborn. It is easy to prejudge someone without even knowing them. You see someone walking down the street at night with many tattoos, many people would cross the street because they would assume that person could be dangerous. Those tattoos could be a misconception and it could be a really kind and helpful person. But at the same time the person got all those tattoos because that is how they chose to express them self. Anzaldua chose speaking Spanglish. I like to joke and play around. You see, that is three different ways to help shape your identity. Just like Anzaldua, I like how I am and wouldn't change.
Who you are should be important to you. If you want to be identified a certain way embrace it, let it be known, and be proud. Whether it be for one thing or another, there's nothing wrong with how you want to be perceived by others. You do not want to be controlled or misguided because of how others think you are. I believe the way Anzaldua carried herself was a great way of showing belief in how you choose to be. She went through a lot just for wanting to be herself. Do not let anyone try to change how you are.
Citation
Anzaldua, Gloria. "How to Tame a Wild Tongue" Teaching Developmental Writing Ed. Susan Naomi BernStein. Fourth ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin"s, 2013. 245-255.
