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Prompt 115hon Project1 Identity
Prompt 115hon Project1 Identity
FOR ALL READINGS AND ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES, SEE THE SCHEDULE ON MOODLE.
In this section of the class, we will read several essays about how identity is influenced by ethnic culture and/or
popular culture. Ethnic culture is complex, and popular perceptions about culture, ethnicity and race often have
a profound impact on how we see ourselves and how we interact with the world around us. As we will see in
our class readings and discussion, sometimes these issues can intersect with issues of popular culture. In some
of these cases, pop culture has a productive or positive influence, in some cases, pop culture has a destructive or
negative influence on identity, and sometimes it's a little of both.
Think about your own construction of identity, and how it is influenced by the various cultures you are a
part of.
Then, write about a way that a culture you are part of or identify with (can be either ethnic
culture, pop culture, a particular subculture, or a mix of these) is connected in a significant and
influential way to how you form or express identity, and make a complex claim about that
connection using narrative and examples to illustrate that claim.
Sample Topics: Note: You are not limited to these topics. These are simply examples of topics that would fit this
question.
How a culture/subculture you identify with has shaped/changed/influenced your own identity and
outlook on the world.
o Is the subculture you identify with different from the one you were raised in? If so, how have
these differences been significant to you?
The influence of music and music subcultures on the development of identity, for example, what it
means to identify as punk, hip hop, a goth, a scene kid, a metalhead, a raver, etc
The impact of Fandom and geek culture on your identity and interact with the world
The influence of advertisements or media on the creation of feminine/masculine/non-binary identities
How racial stereotypes negatively impact the quality of life for minorities in America
How important is it for immigrants or the children of immigrants in America to hold on to traditional
foods, native language, and family customs? How does one balance holding on to your cultural identity
and assimilating into mainstream American culture?