We Can Only Understand Our Identity Once free essay sample

Conversely, others believe that personality Is shaped by nature, and that one Is defined by their biological heartsickness and hereditary traits passed down from previous generations. Nevertheless a combination of both nature and nurture shapes us throughout life. For a majority of the population their journey to find their identity and belonging can often be a struggle due to many reasons. The issue of identity and belonging has captivated humans for many generations, and will remain a key turning point for many to come.We can only truly accept ourselves by acknowledging both of the contributing factors which define who we are. Everything and everyone can influence a persons identity and belonging, but none more so than ones parents and family. While some influences can be major and largely defining, others can be small and go UN-noticed for years. Unfortunately, Sandra Laying, featured in Anthony Fabian biographical film Skin was born as colored in appearance to white Afrikaans parents, during the Apartheid ruling of South Africa. We will write a custom essay sample on We Can Only Understand Our Identity Once or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The influences from her family, predominately Sanders father, drastically affected Sanders way of life and her decision making which vastly hanged her position in society. However, the main influence from Sanders family was the color of her skin. This is something that nobody can control but a factor that Sandra had to live and deal with, which proved a near impossible task when she was young. The Laying family was pivotal in Sanders identity and with the influences from her mother and father but the genes they passed on from previous generations.It wasnt until Sandra accepted both past and present factors that she could truly come to terms with her now famous Identity, shaped by her influences from family, education and community. Just as family does, education plays a major role in the shaping and development of your identity throughout your childhood and adolescence, during primary and secondary school. Although completely unaware, the teachers, bullies and friends at school are Influencing the decisions made and ultimately are part of the personality that defines who you are.Sandra Laying, although having a colored appearance, was for a short time allowed to attend an all-white school; because at first, legally Sandra wa s white. However after many beatings, bullying and downright humiliation, Sandra was expelled from the school, because, as her parents were told, Sandra does not belong here. Little did they know this action turned out to define the way Sandra accepted white people Into her difficult life. Point being that, no matter how memories and influences can last a whole life long.This fact plays out not only in the school yard, but also later in life in work places and in relationships. Everyone has struggled with their identity and belonging during a chapter of their life. There comes a time when our opinions and beliefs begin to differ from those around us. During this time, some people may discover which relationships they belong in, and those which they may not. However relationships are important in all stages of our lives, from when we are confronted with confusion towards identity. Nevertheless relationships provide a supportive and loving environment, which also gives a continuous challenge throughout our lives as we encounter new experiences that will alter our thoughts, emotions and the perspective of ourselves. Sandra has n extremely difficult relationship with her family predominantly because of her skin pigmentation and the views of others in the community. As Sandra starts to relate and associate with the colored community in South Africa, her relationship with her father in particular, deteriorates rapidly.This shows how when one relationship fails and other blooms and shapes your identity in a different way. Relationships dont necessarily have to be formed with people but with whole communities also. Local community as well as country, nationality and race all have major contributions awards the make of the personality, traits and characteristics of humans. The place where one is raised or brought up is arguably the most important place of your life. As aforementioned, Sandra Laying was born colored into an Apartheid South Africa. Her life would have been much different if she had been born into a family in modern Australia, where Apartheid practices are outlawed. Your place of birth also defines your socioeconomic class. The first question asked when meeting someone is, where are you from? Many may argue that it is Just polite conversation, but in actual act it is a subconscious Judgment of personal character.All of these contributors build and develop strong identities, and for Sandra Laying, it is her identity that got recognized and publicized, and it also carried her through some extraordinary experiences, including an abusive husband, imprisonment and a life filled of violence. Sandra shows the true power of influences from the upbringing in her community in the past, and how she recognized both key defining sections that shape identity. For years there has been a debate over whether our identity is formed by nature or nurt ure. Those that believe we are shaped by nature must be certain that personality and identity is formed biological and hereditary traits only. Some others in society believe that we are shaped by nurture, that is, we are defined by our family situation, location and relationships. They believe that these explain all about us. Clearly it is a combination of both of these influences that shape who we are and determine where we belong. Our genetics as well as past influences shape who we become. Only after acknowledging both of these very different facts can we truly understand our identity.