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The notion of identity is often discussed in the modern environment, often prefaced by the adjectives “cultural” or “sexual.” Identity is perceived as a larger group characterized by certain parameters, to which a particular person can be attributed. Identities are shaped by a variety of factors, but the impact of society plays a pivotal role in this regard. While those who come from different cultural backgrounds carry some of its aspects, their identity is also influenced by public perception. In turn, society translates its stereotypes and prejudices into such views. The United States had a history of racial oppression, starting from the age of slavery and persisting through the more recent time of segregation. These phenomena’ consequences still affect the country, having a profound impact on people’s cultural identities. Those who come to a new land seek peace, but they also face a substantial degree of stereotyping. The purpose of this essay is to examine the notions of cultural heritage and identity in the context of contemporary American society.
Many people who come to new countries searching for peace and opportunities face serious challenges. The society, which they want to join, expects them to assimilate and acquire common values while the pressure of their past persists. In the middle of this clash between the past and the present, one risks losing their own identity. In addition, external labeling from the community has a significant impact on the way the person perceives themselves or is perceived in society. These stereotypes are introduced by the community and fueled by mass media and the entertainment industry. Cofer discusses her own experience as a Puerto Rican immigrant in New Jersey. Her family’s life “was designed as a microcosm of my parents’ casas on the island,” and Cofer remained isolated from the stereotype-filled cultural space for a long time. Consequently, she was shocked to learn about the ways in which her traditions were interpreted by society. While there are particular, objective reasons why Latina women dress, talk, and behave the way they do, local communities considered it through the prism of their own perception.
Accordingly, cultural stereotypes have been used to interpret the way other people behave from a subjective standpoint. Such views hardly ever have any logical reasoning behind them and serve to diminish those who come from different backgrounds. On the other hand, the pressure may come from either side – the culture of origin or the culture of a destination. Sandra Cisneros describes her path to success in professional writing, as well as the impediments caused by her own culture. Being the only girl in a Mexican family, she had her role reduced to that of someone’s future wife, as perceived by her father. Cisneros states that the patriarchal customs of her culture of origin had a lasting impact on her childhood, causing alienation. Nevertheless, the loneliness “was good for a would-be writer,” and she managed to preserve her personal identity and pursue her own aspirations. Subsequently, Sandra Cisneros did not succumb to stereotyping surrounding her entire existence. She chose her own path and ultimately deserved the respect of many people, including her conservative father.
People’s identities remain under constant pressure caused by an array of factors, and the public image is one of the primary ones. In her TED Talk, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie discussed the influence of such images on the children’s developing minds. In fact, they adopt the “norms” proposed by society without hesitation, as the author herself thought that all characters were supposed to be “white and blue-eyed,” as dictated by popular culture. Children’s vulnerability to damaging stereotypes explains the vital importance of cultural diversity and representation. In other words, young people must see that it is normal to look, act, or speak differently from others. All issues related to cultural identity stem from public labeling, attributing people to particular roles. Zora Neale Hurston experienced a similar process in her childhood as she moved to Jacksonville. She spent thirteen years in a town populated by people of color, and she could not imagine that there was any kind of racial differences. Nevertheless, as Hurston plunged deeper into the intercultural environment, she “was now a little colored girl.” The described process had Hurston lose her personal identity in favor of the public’s label of the time.
Overall, labeling has been the instrument used by the white establishment to exercise stereotyping aimed at people of color. The situation was particularly difficult in older periods, such as the beginning and the middle of the 20th century. Modern tendencies promote progressive thinking and endorse cultural diversity, but the echo of segregation lives in the form of prejudices. Those who come to the United States seeking asylum and new opportunities already experience immense pressure from their culture of origin. Simultaneously, such people face stereotyping, labeling, and even oppression dictated by the perception of the majority. Such one-sided, bias views distort the truth and interpret the nature of other cultures’ customs and lifestyles. Amid the clash of cultures of origins and cultures of destination, people risk losing the most important kind of heritage, which is their personal identity. One should not conform to the views of the majority or obsolete customs, and their individual voice is the one, which must be heard.
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