Tim Cedrone

November 24, 2014, 2014

Professor Carty
Influences on Identity
How would you describe and define yourself? What truly forms every person into the
unique human being they are today? The reason everyone on the earth is different and unique, is from life
itself. As each year pasts, we experience events in our life that form the way we look, act and feel whether
it is consciously or subconsciously absorbed. Many factors besides life events form identity, such as
culture and personality. Culture and personality are the two main factors that shape us. Culture forms a
person in more ways than one can think. There are seven elements of culture that each influence the
formation of a persons identity. In addition to culture, another forming factor for identity is a persons
personality. Personality, culture and identity are all linked together in forming each other, but ultimately
form an entire identity.
What is identity? One definition of identity is who you are, the way you think about
yourself, the way you are viewed by the world and the characteristics that define you. (Leontiev, 2006)
Although identity seems like it should be a very simple concept to grasp, there is more to it than one
thinks. Identity has a multitude of factors that that shape it. One of the main factors that shape a persons
identity is culture. Culture is the total range of activities and ideas of a group of people with shared
traditions, which are transmitted and reinforced by members of the group. (O'Neil, 2014) There are seven
elements that play a role in the entire meaning of culture. These seven elements break down into social
organization, customs and traditions, language, art and literature, forms of government and economic
systems.( O'Neil, 2014) At first glance some of these factors may seem off topic If not completely random
when referring to culture but all have a pivotal role. I will highlight the main influences on culture from
the seven, and how they have personally shaped my identity as well.

First, which of the seven elements of culture have the most prominent effect on the
formation of persons identity. Social organizations, customs and traditions, religion, and art and literature
are the major factors that form an identity at a personal level, where changes can truly be measured. The
other elements of culture have measurable changes, but they are very broad.
Social organizations play a major role in formation of identity and personality. After all,
humans are social beings that need and want to interact with others. A social organization is a group of
members that gather and associate together to meet basic human needs. (O'Neil, 2014)For example,
friends, clubs, sports teams and many more. Another social organization is into classes and ranks, or other
groups that are important to the culture, such as jobs, money and education. The most important and
influential social organization is family. Parents and those you grow up around have a huge impact on the
way you will act and behave as you grow. As a child is raised, they will compliment things they have seen
weather good or bad, and become accustomed to. In other words, monkey see monkey do. For example, I
have always been a part of a sports team or organization my entire life. I am currently in a fraternity that I
call my brothers. I have noticed that I have become a very social person. From being involved in social
organizations, it has taught me to be personable and outgoing. Also, it formed me to be a leader not a
follower. All aspects of my identity that may not have been formed otherwise.
Another aspect of culture to be looked at is custom and tradition. A good way to describe
customs and traditions is, rules of behavior that are enforced ideas of wright and wrong. Some of these
customs can be seen daily, such as holding a door open for a woman, or taking your shoes off when
entering a home. These are not written laws that are strictly enforced, they are beliefs that are carried
through generations. (Brindis, 2008) Some people may choose to follow them and others may not, and
that is another factor in the uniqueness of identity. As I grew up in an Italian-Irish family, I gained many
traditions and customs that are unique to me that I never noticed until I left my house. Simple values were
instilled in me such as having a strong family and friend presence. In addition to that, always holding a

door open for a woman because my father has always done that. Another example is following my family
religion which is Roman Catholic.
Religion, religion has been a part of every civilization. It has deep roots in many cultures
and carries a lot of power behind the words spoken. Religion itself, divides people into different cultural
groups, simply due to different beliefs. (Brindis, 2008) The reason behind the belief in a certain religion
is, that it answers questions that cannot be answered. Such as, what is the meaning of life and where do
we go after death. (ONeil, 2014)` These questions are not answered easily, so when they are it is
comforting, and because of that people follow. Religion will contour to the values and ideals of the people
who follow, creating an identity for each different religion. Each religion may have a different custom or
tradition that is not seen elsewhere. Making it unique and forming the identity of the believer. Religions
have been around for thousands of years and are not going anywhere, but still continue to influence
identity and culture. The values and morals that are taught through religion can change or form a persons
identity drastically. For me personally, I was born and raised Roman Catholic. My parents never forced
me to believe what I believe, but I followed because my parents and family vouch for it so why wouldnt
I follow in their steps. Being catholic has without a doubt formed me into the person I am today. I am
definitely not a perfect catholic or a strict believer what so ever, but it made changes that I would possibly
not had if it was not part of my life.
Lastly, art and literature. Art and literature is completely different than the other aspects.
Both are creative forms of expressing ones self. They are one hundred percent from the imagination of
the person creating it. Art and literature can be described as but not limited to art, music, books, learning
new things in general. (ONeil, 2014) All of these types of art have a history and a story to tell, making
them more than just color on a canvas, or sheet music. These items teach the history of time, and how
things change and evolve. Understanding other cultures and places enriches the mind. For me personally,
I have been blessed enough to travel to Europe and other parts of the world. As I walked around in a place
completely foreign to me, it taught me to relax and enjoy life, to not take anything for granted, to enjoy

life itself. This was taught to me by the places Ive been to, the art, literature, and history of each place
made this clearer to me. Weather I was walking through museums, looking at paintings and sculptures, or
looking at a beautiful view overlooking Rome, they were all art to me, and helped form my identity.
Overall, identity is formed through everything around you as well as internal forces.
Every aspect of daily life influences you into the person you will ultimately become. The seven points of
culture that form its internal structure are all separate influences on identity. Each one has a clear effect
on the person immersed in the culture. What is around us forms us weather we think so or not, weather its
good or bad. Personality obviously has a place in the formation of identity, but the factors that influence a
personality are the same as culture, making them somewhat synonymous. Each person on the earth has a
unique identity, this unique identity is formed by surrounding forces. The surrounding force is culture,
every aspect of culture forms a person and creates their own unique and special identity.

Citation
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Mead, Margaret. "The Implications Of Culture Change For Personality Development." American Journal
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