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Vedika Sharma

Mr. Donaghrey

ENG3UZ - A

27 July, 2021

True Identity is Expandable

“The Identity Element” is an immensely captivating and compelling article written by

Bianca Lopes. Within this article, Lopes discusses an explanation of the concept that our

personal identity can be broken down into a sense of self or a global understanding that one may

hold for themself. She summarizes the effect that environmental and cultural forces can have on

children which then later holds a heavy impact on their sense of self as they grow older. The

provided information embodies the conception that personal identity is formed through feelings

of belonging in a group. Identity can be defined as distinguished personalities and defining

characteristics of an individual, however one’s identity can change as the individual grows with

the world around them.

Self identities can be easily influenced especially if there is intentional influence shown

from a young age. This text shows effectiveness within terms of developing the idea of identity

as it displays how certain exterior factors or influences can impact one’s formation of sense of

self and identity from a very young age. “For example, if a child is routinely told, “You are

smart”, the likelihood is increased that intelligence will figure prominently in the child’s sense of

identity.” (Lopes 4) The child will carry a distinguished characteristic of themselves as seen as

intelligent and attempt to keep up with this expectation, however as they grow older their identity
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will change as they may grow more independent and keep this expectation for reasons of

individuality. “In contrast, when a child routinely hears, “You can’t do anything right”, then

incompetence is likely to be central to their sense of self.” (Lopes 4) It is evident that what is said

to a child will have a large impact on how they may view themselves, however as they may get

older they will possibly start seeing themselves as someone who is able to cross these supposed

boundaries as the world is changing around them. Self-identities can be dynamic but they can be

controlled as more knowledge and growth is presented.

There are many factors that will come along in the way of our lives as we grow older and

are more exposed to things that we will slowly change the way we choose to identify ourselves.

This text shows effectives within terms of developing the idea of identity as it displays how

identity is not a permanent set definition as it is something that carries the ability to change and

evolve. “It’s almost as if the definition of identity is the way in which we portray ourselves, but

not yet actually identify ourselves.” (Lopes 7) There are many factors that will come along in our

lives that carry the potential to influence how we choose to portray ourselves as time changes.

“Out of this comes a personal identity that is formed by identifying or feeling of belonging to a

group. It is part of a person's self-conception and self-perception” (Lopes 5) It is stated that our

identity is formed by feelings, self-conception and self-perception; as we are more exposed to the

world there are moments where these factors will slowly but eventually change. Hence we can

choose to change our identity as we grow older and become more entranced by the different

ways we may be able to portray ourselves.

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Identity is seen as a description that follows us in life. The factors that do slowly form our

identity indeed have a large influence but the way we choose to accept these influences as we

grow older allows us to change the way we portray ourselves. The way we chose to portray

ourselves despite how this may change over time, is the true definition of our identity.