Blog post no. 4 - Identity

Within our society there are numerous different forms of identities which we are made up of, many of which we may not even think to include as part of our identities as there are certain parts of our identities which are ascribed to us for example nationality and gender. My own identity as a Scottish, white, female, teenager is what makes me who i am and with that there are certain stereotypes.For example from some older peoples' point of view of my identity as a teenager they may automatically presume that i am a disrespectful, hooded, vandal, just another "youth of the day" getting drunk and causing trouble.
We like to feel that we have control over our own identities, therefore it is the different ways we all choose to embrace our "pre-programmed" so to speak identities that make us who we all truly are.
How much of our identities are shaped by the society we live in? Years ago it seemed much easier to assume someones identity from there gender, class and ethnic background etc, you were either classed as male or female, lower, middle or upper class it was as simple as black or white to determine a persons identity. Now we have finally achieved a sense of freedom and equality compared to the way things used to be. Everyone strives to create their own individual identity and to feel unique this can be seen by the way someone dresses for example and whether or not they conform or challenge the "norms" of everyday life. And there is definitely no going back now.