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Pride is an aspect of life that has the ability to either improve or impede on one’s life. It is a reality that many despise. trans……… In the captivating novel, Johnny Tremain, a young boy struggles with the idea of pride. Gifted in every way imaginable, especially silver smithing, the young boy, Johnny, let’s it go to his head. This results in conceited actions, haughty remarks, and an overall arrogance which illuminates from the young boy’s body.
At the same time, the blunt-sounding Coutts is located on the Canadian side, emphasizing the fluidity and complexity of identity. The interaction between the mother and the border guard is another noteworthy example, as it illustrates the tension between the mother's Blackfoot identity and the dominant cultural norms of the border control system. Despite the border guard's insistence, the mother's unwavering stance on her Blackfoot citizenship underscores the central idea that identity is a personal and subjective concept shaped by individual experiences and cultural beliefs. In conclusion, "Borders" by Thomas King is a stirring tale that explores the human struggle to preserve one's identity in the face of adversity. " Borders" by Thomas King not only delves into an individual's efforts but also brings to light the more significant societal problem of cultural assimilation that affects marginalized communities.
When Thomas King says, “The truth about stories is, that’s all we are,” I believe he is pointing out how powerful of a force stories are in our lives. We are told stories from our childhood, as a way to remember history or pass down traditions. He is trying to make the point that stories make up our history, our cultures and ourselves. A good example of this comes from Nealon and Searls Giroux’s book, “Subjectivity.” The book says there is the “self” which is our primary selves, untouched by cultural influences or the law.
Identity is who an individual thinks they are to themselves and to others. Identity is such a complex topic, so this struggle with finding identity can happen. In the novel Indian Horse the main character, Saul, struggles to find his true self. This is due to the fact that he fails to fulfill all the requirements that Maslow’s hierarchy proposes. Maslow’s hierarchy states that there are requirements that must be fulfilled to reach self actualization or in this case true identity.
Throughout literature the constant theme of identity has been explored, with Northrop Frye even suggesting “the story of the loss and regaining of identity is, I think, the framework for all literature.” For characters, true identity isn’t always apparent, it needs to be searched for. Sometimes the inner struggle for identity stems from ones need for belonging. Whether one finds their sense of identity within friends, family, or in a physical “home”. It’s not always a place that defines identity.
Society molds human identity. In the satire Feed by M.T Anderson, technological advances have robbed the characters of their individuality. Differences are frowned upon in Titus' society. As a result, all the characters have become sheep and just follow the trend. They alter themselves and their interests to follow society’s standards.
In Thomas King’s short story, “Borders”, he writes about the Canada-America border. Within the short story, the main character refuses to identify her citizenship even though she is from Blackfoot. Even though the story is being told through the young boy’s point of view, the main issue focuses on another character, the mother. When approached by guards on the border, the mother insists that she is a Blackfoot, which causes issues because her son is a minor and must stay on the Canadian side of the border.
In Thomas King’s short story “Borders,” Mel, the manager of a duty-free store at the border, plays an essential role in the story. He is a character that is portrayed as helpful and supportive. Mel’s character is significant to the story because he contributes to the theme of cultural identity and border issues. One of the main characteristics of Mel’s personality is his helpfulness.
In John Knowles’s novel A Separate Peace Identity is shown as what defines us and makes us be placed in other peoples perspectives. An author can use identity to place characters in the readers mind to portray them a certain way, just as John Knowles did in A Separate peace. An identity can be defined as who a person is inside and out.
Identity is one thing that no one can experience, which comes to the conclusion that no individual has an identity. The community lacks individuality which there is no social stability without individual stability in the Brave New World. Community, being one of the 3 ideals in the Brave New World is shown through their placement within their social groups, Ford’s day celebrations, community sings and solidarity services. Although great lengths are taken to create a community in this dystopian society there still lacks the actual sense of a community, their emotions are limited, they are taught to fear as others and have the same likes and dislikes. In this society, their social groups In the novel, an individual's identity is known as a fundamental of society.
Identity is something people tend to think of as consistent, however that is far from the case. The Oxford English dictionary states that the definition of identity is “ The characteristics determining who or what a person or thing is.” The allegorical novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding tackles the issue of identity while following young boys from the ages twelve and down as they struggle with remembering their identities when trapped on a deserted island. Identity is affected by the influence of society and how individuals influence society based on their identities. By looking at Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the Stanford Prison Experiment, and Sigmund Freud 's philosophical ideas, it becomes clear that identity is affected by society through peer pressure and social normalities.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Emerson suggests that humans are living in a world in which humanity is constantly attempting to change individuals. Society tries to change humans identities, but a human’s identity is what allows them to express themselves and distinguish themselves from others. Human nature is supposed to look, act and think differently, and, when humans are very similar it becomes difficult to interact and get along with others. A time that preserving identity becomes notably challenging is during times of crisis.
The identity a person holds is one of the most important aspects of their lives. Identity is what distinguishes people from others, although it leaves a negative stereotype upon people. In the short story Identities by W.D Valgardson, a middle-aged wealthy man finds himself lost in a rough neighborhood while attempting to look for something new. The author employs many elements in the story, some of the more important ones being stereotype and foreshadow. For many people, their personal identity is stereotyped by society.
In the article ‘The Complexity of Identity - Who am I?’ , the author Beverly Tatum argues that the definition of identity for a person is laid down by the societal norms and not by one’s own conscious understanding of her or his existence. And these societal norms are the ones that are acceptable to the dominant group of the society. Any aspect of one’s identity that sets her or him apart from others is targeted by the dominants. Tatum has used the terms ‘dominants’ and ‘subordinates’.
Everyone 's identity and culture does have an effect on who they are because of the clothes they wear, their personality, and where they come from. The short stories "Totem," by Thomas King, and "Identities," by W.D. Valgardson, both explore how people are judged and treated differently because of their identity, color of their skin, and culture background. This paper will discuss the ways in which the authors engage with the themes of judgement and discrimination. In the short story, "Totem" shows how racism causes people to treat culture and identity differently. Totem took place in the Southwest Alberta Gallery and Prairie Museum.