Defining Identity

Although there are many differences between cultures it is almost a constant truth that every individual struggles with developing one’s identity. It is a struggle because one can spend their whole life creating an identity for themselves and have it taken away by another’s point of view. A person’s identity is largely defined by what another person perceives it to be, but perceptions are often flooded with stereotypes and pre-conceived notions which make it difficult for people of different ethnic, racial, or economic class to identify with one another. So many individuals are blinded by ignorance and subconscious teachings such that one’s identity is very rarely defined accurately nor held at the same level of respect that the beholder holds it to. This proves that there is a unique bond between members of the same ethnicity, class, or even gender that is not easily separated.

An excellent film created by James L. Brooks beautifully captures the importance of identity and how ethnicity and class play a major role in developing identity. Brooks’ use of the characters and their personalities was brilliant. He approached each character with a purpose in mind. Deborah Clasky did not understand anything different from herself and yet she was content with that; the old saying “Ignorance is Bliss” describes her personality perfectly. Brooks used her to depict American