In your replies, extend the discussion by analyzing and building upon your classmates' ideas. Assertions must be supported by references in current APA format. Use first person and single-spaced formatting and indent new paragraphs. Your threads and replies must be well written, well organized, and focused.
You will also reply to the threads of 200-250 words each.
Discussion 1: Greg
The way in which people behave and respond to others has been determined to be a major component in the development of a person's identity. A definition of identity is " the collection of features or labels which establish social expectations that we have of ourselves and others (Stewart, 2012 p.73). An identity is not considered to be constant, rather an identity holds the characteristic of evolving in a process of change, while being multidimensional in nature. The term "identity construction" is the label given to the process of identity development which is said to be happening whenever communication takes place, no matter what type of cultural influence way be present. The understanding of "identity" has actually undergone it's own growth and change in that the last 300 years or so "identity" has moved away from being defined as an intra-personal thing to more of a social one.
The primarily cause of this mind-shift can be attributed to the impact of Eastern conceptions (Stewart, 2012). Situational changes impact identities in the components of gender, religion, athletics, the arts, occupation, science, politics, economics, and ethnicity. Relationships both past and present, contribute to the formation process of a person's identity and can directly effect the way in which a person's identity is perceived. In the communication process, others have the potential to assign an identity to an individual (ascribe), or the identity can be assigned personally (avowed). Reflecting on the way in which we communicate is important because our conversations not only express our ideas and thoughts, but help to construct how we are defined as human beings (Stewart, 2012).
A clear example of "identity construction" occurs in the video presentation as the two participants discuss ethnicity as well as their student identities. This demonstrates the fact that identities are often defined in conversation and are something that we do, negotiate as an example, rather than are (Stewart, 2012). Labels are often the result of expectations or ignorance, (all Arabs are Muslims) and can cause strain on conversation and relationships if clarification is not pursued. One individual also "negotiates" here identity as she refers to herself (avows) that she is an Iraqi American as opposed to the identity she was given (ascribed) as simply an Iraqi woman.
In the presentation between the man and student, each individual utilized verbal and non-verbal forms of identity construction. The student was identifying himself as anti-social, chip on his shoulder, angry and disconnected. His words portrayed an image as well. The gentlemen identified himself as being concerned, empathetic, caring and personable. His ability to connect with the student resulted in him testifying of Christ and sharing the gospel. Stewart (2012) says "No matter how brief or extended the contact, whether it's written or oral, mediated or face-to-face, impersonal or interpersonal, the people involved will be directly or indirectly constructing definitions of themselves and responding to the definitions offered by others (p. 76). With this in mind, It is my intent to hopefully maintain an awareness that my reflection and words should edify and glorify the One in whom I have my identity, that be Christ Jesus. Although I have struggled with alcohol and substances, I am a "new creature" in Christ and I will continue to humbly share that truth.
Reference:
Stewart, J. (2012). Bridges not walls: A book about interpersonal communication (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Discussion 2: Andrew
I have really enjoyed the reading this week! It is amazing how the Creator has set our world in motion with what seems to be both order and chaos and how everything in creation from the natural world to the spiritual world has an ongoing impact on everything else. The thing that really struck me in the readings so far this week is that we are essentially helping to build/create our identity as well as the identities of those around us every day in our communication and all the ways that that occurs.
Stewart says, "Identities are constellations of labels that establish social expectations that we have of ourselves and others" (Stewart, 2012, p. 77). Over time we have realized that our identities are not something that we come up with or decide individually, but they are built upon and around all of our experiences, interactions, rolls, goals and more. (Stewart, 2012, p. 77-78).
Communication plays a major roll in the creating of identity. The three video presentations of different communication scenarios demonstrated how communication builds identity of both the speaker and the listener. Stewart says that Identities are "multidimensional and changing" (Steward, 2012, p. 80), which is seen in the second video presentation "Misunderstood" where we see a young man who seems to have a very negative self image and identity begin to change after communicating with a man who had experienced the change of identity from a guilty, negative identity into a redeemed, purposeful identity which he found in meeting Jesus Christ and beginning a relationship with him, creating a new identity. The older gentleman's identity shifted both through communication with another person and in communication and relationship with Jesus.
Stewart also tells us that "Selves are responders" (Stewart, 2012, p. 80). We see this well also in the second video, "Misunderstood" where the young man first responds to the negative people around him by believing them and then later in hope to a new message from the older man who calls him to respond to a call to a new identity in Christ, as he had.
"Identities are [also] developed in past and present relationships" (Stewart, 2012, p. 81), which we see well in the first video "what is identity of self" where the older student works very hard to portray herself as a person that she thinks is valuable, interesting and/or important based on many claimed diverse experiences that she had with other people and in other places.
Stewart also tells us that "identities can be avowed and ascribed" (Stewart, 2012, p. 82), which we also see in the videos. The third video "false pretenses" shows a disabled woman who builds an online identity based on an active lifestyle which she values, but can not actually achieve because of some physical disabilities. She does this by avowing an identity that she desires. We see identity being ascribed in the second video where the troubled young man's teacher assumes that he was starting a fight because of his looks and attitude etc.
Identity is very complex and constantly be created and recreated through our experiences in life and communications with others.
Resources
Stewart, J. (2012). Bridges not walls: A book about interpersonal communication 11th ed.). New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill