Identity (race and gender)

Identity is what makes you! Everybody is different, through clothes, personality, characteristics, sex, gender, religion, nationality etc. No one is the same including twins! They might look the same on the outside but they will have totally different minds. The way we think also creates our identity and what we do. Your identity is very important as it lets others know who you are. Without it, you won’t get far!

Gender is the separation of men and women. Men tend to think very differently to women, and this causes feuds. Mostly women are treated unequally, but sometimes men are too. However, we have stepped into the society where women have as much right as men! 

Race is seen through colour, culture, religion and ethnic backgrounds. Being of a different race or religion is what makes you who you are. If everyone was the same race, this world would be quite bland! The mixtures of food, clothes and language are what make this a multicultural society.

“A way people use to convey their identity, their belonging to a particular cultural or sub cultural group is through their clothes and fashions. (Hebdige, D 1979)

However, you may sometimes come across ignorant people, who are racist, treat you with unfairness because of your religion or just think you’re not up to it because you’re a woman.

Lynn Hershman is one of the most influential artists working in the areas of gender, technology and identity today. Hershman works in photography, video, photo-collage, and multi-media interactive installations. Issues surrounding female identity are at the forefront of Hershman’s work and she links these issues to our continued relationship with technology.

References:

Hebdige, D. (1979) Subculture: The Meaning of Style”

Available at: http://mocoloco.com/art/archives/001569.php (Accessed: 16th May 2011)