Identiy

~ short post on Identity

            Identity is the very being of ourselves in which our existence and purpose can be expounded upon.  It is "made up of the interlocking features that mark how we behave and respond to others"(Stewart, 2009, p. 84).  However, this view exemplifies only the Western pretense of identity where it starts from the individual and extends into the collective of society.  Many different perspectives of how communication forms identity need to be given merit as well.

            First, rhetorical imperative presents the stand those strategies of communication come from an individual's need to affect other favorable (p. 94).  This theory shows that people will communicate in a fashion that will gain the approval of the majority of people by acting and speaking in a way pleasing to others from their own perspective.  They can give an individual accomplishment and eloquence, but if a person cannot connect with the needs of other, they will become an outcast.

            Second, there’s an interesting theory which groups eight strategic ideas of communication according to Harold Barret (p. 100).  These eight communication goals are control, achievement, attribution, anger, denial, withdrawal, and prevarication. These strategies simplify the human response to social interactions.  When someone uses one of these reasons to communicate, they will be associated with that method in other people's minds.  When someone communicates with anger as a strategy, they will be defined by that method and will be considered angry. 

             Third, another form of communication is through online identity (p. 115).  The internet is a great tool for communication; however, people can create false information about themselves disguising themselves as someone more desirable.  People can use it to gain trust and then take advantage of other, while others use the internet to escape reality and can have others believe in that reality.

            Over the generations, identity has gone through changes.  Whether it is from individual to collective or defending to pleasing, transitions of styles and motives will always occur as cultures continue to evolve on the earth.  As long as people communicate with an open mind, the world will see good times ahead.

Stewart, J. (2009). Bridges not walls: A book about interpersonal communication. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Companies, Inc.