How do I negotiate my self-identity in the social context I am in?

( A Reflection Paper )

The external world of our society plays a huge role in defining our self-identity. In general
perception, your identity is your basis which derives in the social context you are in.

When we were born, our genetic make-up and biological traits were present, but these alone do
not define who you are. The capability of the self can only be achieved through the process of
socialization, and it does not end merely during our childhood days but this will last as long as we live.
Creating the principles of the self arise from your family, friends, and as we go on to our journey we get
to know people that manipulates the changes that serves as another area of adapting that mold our
principles to follow, norms and behaviors to display. But the most important thing is we must comply or
else we will be isolated and separated from the majority.

In many historical cultures weight was a sign of good health and good health describes the
capability of buying bunches of food and the abundance of food signifies wealth. On the other hand,
those thin people was been easily to identified as lower class people. As I noticed today the higher
weight is not valued like the ancient times, why? Today the society feature beauty that creates the
standard which was accepted by the majority and with the skewed idea of the society was the definition
of your social identity. In my generation we are introduced by the high value of social media, the fashion
that shown has been the standard of beauty. It is also true to me because when an idea manifest I
usually fascinate myself to be in. I want a that new bag, I think that style looks good on me, I want
Jenny’s hair too, stuff like that.

But as I grow up, I am slowly gaining my consciousness and I am able to express my

individualistic creativity and possibly bend some rules in the community. This derives Meads concept of
“I” and “me.”

I realized that being yourself does not necessarily mean to go against the social norms. While I
am trying to maintain my own uniqueness and self-identity it is also my responsibility to adjust and
understand every social context I thrown into. My personal values might sometimes contrast the
society’s standards and in the process of trying to dialogue our differences we either lose our self and be
succumbed to that social context we try to push our own identity and rebelled against it. To balance the
extremes, I should ask questions and observed my society and find a space in where I can express my
own identity. Being weird and unique is never against the social norms as long as you’re willing to adapt,
learn and adjust what is needed.

The society in graves us that, “no man is an island” we grow by the guidance of our society that
manifest the idea of self understanding. But on the contrary, we have another idea that contrast on the
other people’s concept. Expressing yourself means introducing your self-identity but remember your
identity lives in the society, for an agreement you must adjust to fit in.
 BEAUTIFUL
( Reflection Paper )

Society gives us the notion about standards of perfection, that if we are

seen differently we are graded less. The song Beautiful by Christina Aguilera is for
anyone that struggles to lift their self-confidence because of the misconception
integrated by the society. This song taught me to prove myself not by what others
define me to be. Stop trying to fit in, you are born to stand out. You are beautiful
regardless of your own imperfections.
September 10, 2020 Eat Bulaga's famous “Bawal Judgemental” is one in
celebrating Alopecia Awareness Month. Alopecia is a common autoimmune skin
disease that causes hair loss in the scalp, face, and in other areas of the body.
Some of us are new to this situation, and a point in their life that they are being
neglected by society because they are different in other ways. They experienced
extreme judgment to the point that they are being abused physically and the idea
that everyone fears you hurts so much. The disease doesn’t have it’s cure yet, so
they can’t do anything but to embrace their uniqueness. This is one of the many
examples of “I am beautiful no matter what they say.” Their situation motivates
them to go further regardless of what others label them. The idea of being
different from others after the stage of their acceptance builds confidence that
triggers their emotions to grow stronger and perform their best to prove that
despite their unusual physical self they can do what normal people can.
And everywhere we go, the sun will always shine. And tomorrow, we might
wake up on the other side. These lines in the song flash the idea of Nick Vujicic.
Nick Vujicic is an Australian-American born without arms and legs who is now a
world-renowned speaker, best-selling author, and more. Nick faced tremendous
obstacles in life from living his life without limbs, being bullied at school, and fear
his future with no purpose in sight. His feelings of helplessness and isolation led
to end his life. But then, Nick persevered through his life challenges and
discovered key principles which enable him to find his purpose and form
obstacles into opportunities; making him one of the most keynote speaker in the
world. Imagine, millions of people found hope, purpose, and strength to
overcome their challenges through Nick's inspirational speeches and powerful
coaching. Despite him having no limbs; he’s passion inspire people that all can rise
above their own adversity and overcome their differences.
Once in my life, my insecurities towards other people give me the idea that
I am not beautiful. Teen stuff like me no having fashionable clothes, colorful
braces, amazing talents, and born with a miserable life. And it hurts being the
center of attraction because of being less towards their kind. I am not beautiful
because I can’t get myself in, in the spotlight of society. Like the song, I am trying
to fill the emptiness but the pieces left the puzzle undone and I realized ain’t that
the way it is. This moment of my life I managed to sing the lines,” I am beautiful
no matter what they say, words can’t bring me down. No matter what we say,
we’re the song inside the tune.” Put your headset on, unleash the words that
people thrown to bring you down. Lift up and stand your ground, your own genre
of song, your own beat and rhythm. Once again, I am beautiful.

You don’t need anyone to express what exactly you feel. Push your button
and turn your imperfections to your own standard of perfection. Be your own
kind of beautiful, a masterpiece indeed.

References:
https://nickvujicic.com/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alopecia_areata
https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/christinaaguilera/beautiful.html