My Social Identity

Introduction

My social identity is a collection of traits and behaviors that I was born with and/or have developed, which I use to relate to others with. This method of connection can attract a network of like-minded individuals that exhibit behaviors and experiences specific to our respective co-cultures. These communities of unique communication patterns make us feel more at home; as if we are accepted by a family, and that we have ample support in our lives.

Co-Cultures

Using myself as an example, I identify with several physical and conceptual markers. I am a Millennial, who are a generation of people that were born in the 1980’s and 90’s. We have developed a unique understanding of the world, largely due to our interaction with the information and technologies available to us in the time we have spent on this planet. Through my physical appearance, I am able to identify with my Irish heritage. I am reasonably tall and broad-shouldered, with high cheek bones, reddish-brown hair, a red beard, pale skin, and freckles. These qualities match the characteristics of the people I am related to, and so I can more comfortably share in the experiences of the culture with people like me. When I listen to the band Flogging Molly, drinking a cold glass of Guinness and enjoying a hot plate of boxty cakes, it is because I am Irish.

Self-Concept

My social identity helps to shape my overall self-concept. Growing up as a Millennial, we experienced a societal fear that we might be “entitled” and “lazy”. I, among my peers, have been pressured to challenge the notion with rebellious behaviors and self-assertions. The result being that we have come to identify with our tenacity in the face of oppression. My family’s Irish background has also shaped who I am. When I was younger, I used to watch a movie and wear all sorts of garments that were Irish-themed after I found out that I was related to them. Later in life, my brother and I were inspired by the bar scene, as we are two Irish brothers. We identified our heritage with drinking alcohol, most notably with whiskey. It became a driving force for our weekends. Our diets also reflected our heritage, as we emphasized the use of thick cuts of meat, sausages, potatoes cooked every way, rustic vegetables, fried cabbage (for myself).

Conclusion

The comfort and familiarity I feel when I identify with my people ultimately influences who I am, and what I decide. For instance, I prefer to visit a bar that Millennials gather, where we can discuss topics that my generation would be familiar with. If I had to decide what product to buy, I might reach for anything related to Irish people, such as corned beef and hash, Irish Whiskey, and Irish Cream. Us human beings are driven by our need to feel validated that we lead righteous and successful lives. I believe we develop these social identities as a means to fulfill that need, and to navigate the world with a sense that there are people out there that understand our desires and struggles; individuals we can better anticipate than others. Otherwise, we are left feeling alone and out of place, among people that lack the understanding of our goals and boundaries.