Expression Of Identity.

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Expression Of Identity.

Symbols are the basic element in the portrayal of our identities. Our identities are represented through a variety of different types of symbols for example the type of clothes we wear, the words we use or the car we drive are but a few of the many symbols used to portray our identity to others.

The definition of a symbol is something that is used for or regarded as representing something else. Esp. a material object representing something immaterial; emblem or sign. (1)

 We take careful consideration choosing the symbols used to present our image and identity to others. Williamson (1986, pg. 13) suggests that we have a choice in our image selection process and that we realise when we make this choice that other people can interpret and understand our choice. Therefore, we construct our identities from choice, we make an active decision to include and exclude symbols in creating out identities, of which we may have many, and our identities are both active and flexible. Part of this selection process involves us imagining ourselves as others would see us. This process is called symbolisation, visualising the overall picture of ourselves and thinking in symbols. George Herbert Mead (1930, pg. 12) argued that we have the ability to imagine how others view us and we have the ability to carry these images in our memory. Imagining how others view us helps in our selection process i.e. I would not wear a tracksuit to an interview for fear that the interviewer interpreting that symbol as me being too lazy for not making an effort to go out and buy a suit. The initial reading of the symbol as ‘lazy’ may then also indicate to the interviewer that I would not be a suitable candidate for the job as ‘lazy’ and ‘work’ do not compliment each other.

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 Part of our identity is one that we have little or no choice over. Our names, religion, our social upbringing and place of origin all help create our personal identity. Meanings about this part of our identity are produced through symbols such as our accents and our lexical choice e.g. A heavy Scottish accent to some may symbolise a lack of education or intelligence whereas a ‘Queens English’ accent may symbolise a good upbringing and a sound education. Another part of our identity that we have little control over is our gender. Our identity is strongly influenced by feminine and ...

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