By the time you arrive to begin this leg of the journey, you will have already completed, or you will be working on completing three tasks, all of which will help you and your peers come to terms with who you are now and who you may want to become:
- Via Character Survey
- 3 Significant Items
- Six Word Memoir
But how do we really decide who we are? Identity is a complex array of experiences (good, bad, and in-between) along with a variety of relationships and networks, and like snowflakes, no two are alike, and they are ever-changing.
So who do you think you are, and who do you want to be?
Going further, are you really who you claim to be? Do you see yourself through "rose colored glasses" or do you perhaps have a harsh perspective of who you are?
After watching the above video, read a little about Hetain Patel's work below, then respond to the two prompts at the end of this post.
Hetain Patel's surprising performance plays with identity, language and accent -- and challenges you to think deeper than surface appearances. [This is a] delightful meditation on self, with performer Yuyu Rau, and inspired by Bruce Lee. In his compelling stage works, Hetain Patel uses powerful imagery and storytelling to examine questions of identity. "What determines our identities anyway?" asks Hetain Patel. As a child, Patel wanted to be like Spider-Man or Bruce Lee; later, he aimed to be more like his father, who displays a much different kind of bravery. From these ambitions, Patel's new show Be Like Water examines shifting identities of all kinds, using dance and bold imagery to power a story of self-examination and self-creation. As a conceptual artist, Patel has used photography, sculpture, installation and performance to challenge cultural identity. For his work, he has grown a mustache exactly like the one his father wore when he emigrated from India to the United Kingdom in the 1960s, and remixed the practice henna tattooing to incorporate English words and comics books. Patel's conclusion about identity: that it is an ever-shifting game of imitation.
Step One: Think about a time that you gave someone a pretty bad impression of who you are. Perhaps their judgement about you was unfair, but that's not important for this exercise. Just pick one.
>In 100 words or less, narrate how this person would describe who you are to others. Be honest. This might be a little painful, but it's important.
Step Two: Think about how you would liked that person to have "experienced" you. (Remember, you are thinking about an experience where someone walked away with a bad impression of who you really are above). If it would be possible to go back in time to change their perspective about you, what would be that perspective? How would you want them to see you?
>In 100 words or less, narrate how this person should describe you, ... once they simply had the opportunity to know you better. Be honest here too, and don't be shy. Have this narrative "sing your praises".
These are two ends of a constructed identity, and the truth of the matter is that you are probably somewhere in the middle. ... And, the middle is always shifting from left to right, or from up to down, sort of like a radio dial.
In this exercise, you will begin to understand who you are now, and you will begin to identify who you want to be, so have some fun with this.
Be sure to complete this prompt (and feel free to write more) before the second lesson on the Better Place Project, Adventure Two.
That person would describe me as selfish and a bad friend. Although, she didn't know the full story, she thought of me as someone who didn't care about anything or anyone.
ReplyDeleteStep 1: Kayleigh is such a know it all. She always has to be right and no one else opinions matter. She can't even listen to what other people think because she thinks that every thing she thinks is the right way. It's almost like the world revolves around her.
ReplyDeleteThis person should describe me as someone who is going through a lot and can't always be there for her when she needs me. She should describe me as a great friend that is honest and loyal. Although I can't be there for her right now, I will always stand by her side.
ReplyDeleteStep 1:
ReplyDeleteMcKenzie is very obnoxious and loud and doesn't care that she may be annoying others. She doesn't think before speaking and she is rude to others.
Step 2:
If they had gotten to know me they would realize that I say what is on my mind whether it is to help others or to make others laugh. I am a very thoughtful person and although I may be loud I have a gentle heart.
Step 1: that lady would describe me as extremely unkind because I said some things that were not nice at all and made some not so loving hand gestures.
ReplyDeleteStep 2: As an only child I really don't have any one to argue against me and I'm pretty mature for my age because I grew up independent. If they had really calmly explained to me their point of view I would've backed down. Instead I felt bullied and hurt by their comments I wish they would've seen me as a go to person as opposed to someone who thinks they are always right.
ReplyDeleteStep 2: if the lady had realized that her actions almost caused a car accident, then maybe she would have understood my frustration and my explicit language towards her.
ReplyDeletestep one: A teammate of mine probably thought that I was trying to have all the glory and try to do everything myself when I pulled her out of the goal and took over the goalie position when we were losing. She also probably thought that I was bullying her and didn't think that she was good enough to play goalie.
ReplyDeleteStep 2: If she understood that I thought that she was struggling and wanted to give her a chance to regroup and then come back maybe she would have viewed me as a real team player and a considerate person. I only wanted what was best for the team.
ReplyDeleteUpon meeting a person for the first time many impressions are made in a split second.
ReplyDeleteAny person walking along main street on UC’s campus passes numerous people between classes, and when they pass me they see someone whom there is nothing ornate or particularly interesting in appearance. They may feel a pang of pity toward me, for I do not own expensive clothes, have shiny white pearls gleaming between rosy lips, or even a flawless complexion. In place is a simple black coat with a generic gray knit scarf tucked inside, straight but far from glowing white teeth, and a complexion speckled with a few freckles, some scars, and blemishes.
Upon meeting me for the first time they may get the impression of a shy, typical college freshman. Again, a pang of pity may surface for she does not seem like the extravert society values. Soon after the meeting her name is forgotten and the conversation is carried away with the wind.
If someone would have the opportunity and take a bit of time to get to know her another far more interesting story would be told.
They would see my dedication and passion for helping others, reading, traveling, and learning. They would appreciate my genuine smile, sense of humor, intelligence, and creativity. They would understand how I think intently before I say anything; that my mind is always flooded with thoughts, ideas, and emotions. I may not seem outgoing to an outsider, but to those whom take the time to get to know me they know that I am not just outgoing, but conscientious, friendly, kind, committed, and optimistic.
Drew Berling
ReplyDeleteStep 1: I gave someone a bad impression of me when I was under a lot of stress and I was getting frustrated about how things were turning out. This person saw that side of me and that have the wrong impression of how I act.
Step 2: I would have liked that person to experience me in a very different way. I wanted them to see me as a leader and someone who can keep calm in stressful situations. I wanted them to see me as someone who they could come to for help if they needed it.
Step 1: This person would probably describe me as very rude, and self-centered, since I did not listen to what they were saying. My actions were not intended, but it gave a bad first impression to this other person.
ReplyDeleteStep 2: At the time I had met this person, I was mentally in another place, and it had negative effects on my first impression. If this person had gotten to know me, then they would know I am a caring person, and always listen to what others have to say.
Step 1: This person thought I was intimidating, uptight and a snob. Although I sat next to this person for a trimester in high school, their view of who I was unfortunately remained unchanged. Personally I think it was due to a lack of trying to get to know the real me.
ReplyDeleteStep 2: If I could go back in time I would show said person that I'm a very laid back person who will always be there to help someone in need. I would try to show them that I can be a very fun and welcoming person.
Step 1: My neighbor would have thought me as rude when I didn't answer her question she asked. I was actually in a hurry and didn't get the time to answer the question.
ReplyDeleteStep 2: If my neighbor knew me better, she would describe me as kind- hearted, and prompt. She would know that I would like to do things on time and like to be careful.
Chris Smedley
ReplyDeleteStep 1: this person most likely thought I was arrogant cocky and thought that I thought I was better than everybody. We have been in some arguments in the past and neither of us have thought the best of each other because of the first time we met.
Step 2: if they knew me better and didn't get off to the wrong foot they would think I am goofy, out going, kind, and always trying to think of others.
Step 1: The person thought I was crude and rude when I was yelling at my friend for something he had done.
ReplyDeleteStep 2: If I could have them meet me again I would have been more like myself and polite and a lot nicer.
Sarah Becker
ReplyDeleteStep 1: For people just meeting me, I can be a bit standoffish and rude. I don't like to open conversations and will instead avoid it. I do not enjoy being the first person to open up and would rather others do that. However, if I'm meeting a group and I know at least one person, I'm a lot more talkative and more myself.
Step 2: Once people get to know me better they discover I'm an open book. I often wear my issues on my sleeve and always ask for others opinions. They also realize I am very outgoing and love to make people laugh. I don't think a lot of people can get me to shut up once I know them well enough and are comfortable around them. Furthermore, I'm extremely protective of my friends and very involved in their lives which can be positive or negative. But overall, I'm a much better person once you get to know me.
1: This person saw me as a gruff antisocial person who didn't appreciate his politely asking to sit next to me in a class where it doesn't matter at all where you sit.
ReplyDelete2: If this person were to pursue talking to me I'd show them that I'm a person deeply interested in what they're talking about and not one much to talk myself up. I'd be very accommodating and wiling to do favors for him. He'd learn that I just enjoy being a friend in that kind of almost service manner.