FINAL PAPER
Angelica Santos
My name is Angelica Santos. Many things had happened over the past four months since I
wrote my first paper for an assignment titled Identity Exploration Paper. In it, I wrote about
how I defined myself at the time. Reading back at it, I realize some of the changes that have
happened to me, or more specifically, my views on certain things, especially those
surrounding cultural differences, countries, beliefs, and more.
Before, I made it clear that I “disliked” my country, either because of its “eccentric” beliefs
or its actions toward my bloodline. But there are several things I’ve learned that helped me
break down the barriers I had built. Ever since then, it has become easier for me to learn to
love my country again. I’ve learned that sometimes people equate their identity with their
religion or beliefs and perceive the world around them through that lens. Sometimes, people
can become full of themselves, believing that their way of thinking or their belief system is
the One True Right, while others who do not follow the same path are in the wrong. It’s
common for people to perceive the world as black and white because it makes it easier to
navigate.
"Identity codifiers and markers, such as ethnicity, gender, religion, language, and culture,
are used to rationalize and reify a certain status quo and power distribution" (p.154) is a
quote from my previous Identity Exploration Paper, which I took from Silvia Gagliardi’s
article titled Minority Rights, Feminism and International Law: Voices of Amazing Women in
Morocco (2020). This quote explains that sometimes, people justify their mindset based on
their background simply because they have not been exposed to other experiences. They may
believe that their background is the ultimate truth and that it represents the true nature of the
world.
When someone is already labeled as "wrong," there are three common reactions, according to
Kathryn Schulz in her TED Talk On Being Wrong. When people disagree with another’s
views, three assumptions arise. The first assumption is that the other person is ignorant—if
they were simply told the “truth,” they would surely change their perspective. When that
doesn’t work, and it turns out they are already aware of the same information, the second
assumption is that they must be stupid, incapable of understanding the facts. But if neither of
these proves to be the case, the final assumption is that they are evil and are intentionally
trying to manipulate the truth.
When people think this way, it becomes difficult to change their mindset. As someone from
the other side of the argument, engaging in an angry debate is rarely productive. Humans
naturally resist admitting their flaws. Instead, Megan Phelps-Roper, in her TED Talk I Grew
Up in the Westboro Baptist Church. Here’s Why I Left, suggests following four small but
powerful steps. First, don’t assume bad intent—at the end of the day, people believe in their
truths because of how they were raised. Second, ask questions—try to understand where they
are coming from so they feel respected in sharing their position. Third, always stay calm.
Lastly, take time to reflect and ensure that the conversation remains constructive rather than
turning into a heated dispute.
Angelica Santos
My name is Angelica Santos. Many things had happened over the past four months since I
wrote my first paper for an assignment titled Identity Exploration Paper. In it, I wrote about
how I defined myself at the time. Reading back at it, I realize some of the changes that have
happened to me, or more specifically, my views on certain things, especially those
surrounding cultural differences, countries, beliefs, and more.
Before, I made it clear that I “disliked” my country, either because of its “eccentric” beliefs
or its actions toward my bloodline. But there are several things I’ve learned that helped me
break down the barriers I had built. Ever since then, it has become easier for me to learn to
love my country again. I’ve learned that sometimes people equate their identity with their
religion or beliefs and perceive the world around them through that lens. Sometimes, people
can become full of themselves, believing that their way of thinking or their belief system is
the One True Right, while others who do not follow the same path are in the wrong. It’s
common for people to perceive the world as black and white because it makes it easier to
navigate.
"Identity codifiers and markers, such as ethnicity, gender, religion, language, and culture,
are used to rationalize and reify a certain status quo and power distribution" (p.154) is a
quote from my previous Identity Exploration Paper, which I took from Silvia Gagliardi’s
article titled Minority Rights, Feminism and International Law: Voices of Amazing Women in
Morocco (2020). This quote explains that sometimes, people justify their mindset based on
their background simply because they have not been exposed to other experiences. They may
believe that their background is the ultimate truth and that it represents the true nature of the
world.
When someone is already labeled as "wrong," there are three common reactions, according to
Kathryn Schulz in her TED Talk On Being Wrong. When people disagree with another’s
views, three assumptions arise. The first assumption is that the other person is ignorant—if
they were simply told the “truth,” they would surely change their perspective. When that
doesn’t work, and it turns out they are already aware of the same information, the second
assumption is that they must be stupid, incapable of understanding the facts. But if neither of
these proves to be the case, the final assumption is that they are evil and are intentionally
trying to manipulate the truth.
When people think this way, it becomes difficult to change their mindset. As someone from
the other side of the argument, engaging in an angry debate is rarely productive. Humans
naturally resist admitting their flaws. Instead, Megan Phelps-Roper, in her TED Talk I Grew
Up in the Westboro Baptist Church. Here’s Why I Left, suggests following four small but
powerful steps. First, don’t assume bad intent—at the end of the day, people believe in their
truths because of how they were raised. Second, ask questions—try to understand where they
are coming from so they feel respected in sharing their position. Third, always stay calm.
Lastly, take time to reflect and ensure that the conversation remains constructive rather than
turning into a heated dispute.
