As the unanimous choice to represent the team for the week, I am writing the first official journal entry (sorry Julie, mySpace does not count ) to commemorate the establishment of our group's identity.
I knew I'd find a use for this picture >=)The word "identity" encompasses a large scope which attempts to define the individual. In many ways, we identify ourselves through different modalities of expression (IE clothing, hair, music, beliefs, and etc.). Often times, the process of attaining a sense of one's self is complex and confusing for the individual. For example, let us examine the phase transition that occurs in high school and college/work. The initial moments of the first year is awkward to some extent. The individual is submersed into a new surrounding with little familiarity to the environment. Usually as one progresses in age, the individual attains a sense of comfort and usually falls within a set tier on the social hierarchy(IE jocks, nerds, cheerleaders, and etc.). A similar set of boundaries reappear if the individual attends college or goes to join the work force. The only differences are that it is replicated on a larger scale, and the social hierarchy no longer has much implication when attempting to discover one's self. Labels no longer constrain the individual, and he/she is now able flesh out and experience the endless possibilities out there. Usually, a true sense of the self is not attained until a number of years into college/work or possibly beyond. These years serve as a time to adjust and refine the projected self.
Creating a community with a seven other individual, who may or may not share the same ideologies as myself, will be interesting. Although we live within a confined geological area, the experiences that each one of us have are probably unique. Consequently, we must find innovative ways to express our individuality while learning about one another.
Josh's recap of whatever the hell he wrote above
1) Everyone is unique
2) We are still refining who we are
3) I probably don't have everything in common with the group.
4) It'll be fun learning about everyone else.
5) There is no #5. I thought it would look weird only having four points.
* Sorry forgot to integrate this part into the post.
I have managed to look at a couple of the other blogs made by previous classes. Although some seem to follow a stringent set of guidelines, it is interesting how many of the entries describe the group persona. Additionally, some groups have included irrelevant information to their blogs, and I find it quirky and to an extent, enjoyable. So to the rest of Mixed PersuAsian, please feel free to post whatever the hell you want on here because I get bored at work and need something else to read.
**In response to Irene's question about why she is short
When considering a trait such as height, there are many other factors one should consider besides genetics. Many of you are probably aware of the age old concept of nature versus nurture. From a socio-cultural perspective let us examine how diet may have affected her stature. The average heights in different countries vary (duh). When we examine the traditional diets that those countries consumed, we can find some stark differences. Many western European countries leaned heavily towards foods that contain a lot of protein. As generations progressed, there was also a steady increase in the average height of these individuals. When we compare that to a country such as the Philippines, the diet has traditionally been centered around carbohydrates. The socio-cultural component of diet probably played a role in her height.
***And in case any of you are wondering...... I usually do write like that. I am a nerd.