Perception of Authentic Identity to Different Ages

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1 What is an authentic identity, and who decides that?
Authentic identity is based on the relevance of an individual’s identity and background in society, showing unique qualities that can only be found in a specific person. The individual decides it as not following categories based on established social norms (Kristinsson, 2007).
2 How would you explain identity to a child if they came home and told you this story?
An identity must be explained as a function of origins versus privileges (Gold, 2018). The child may have Hispanic origins, but his privileges were granted in the United States. Therefore, his identity is based on how he identifies himself. It can be purely Hispanic, purely American, or a combination of both.
3 How would you approach that conversation, and what would you highlight?
The approach must be factual rather than paradoxical or rhetorical. The child must understand his true origins, and the adult must explain that embracing another culture does not eradicate the roots. However, one must highlight that it is essential to know how you want to live, and from there, one can recognize his authentic identity.
4 Do you think Mateo’s Hispanic classmates meant to insult him? What do you think was their intent?
His classmates might have meant to insult him as Mateo was depicted as a “white-washed” Mexican due to music preferences. However, their true intent was to have Mateo recognize that one’s roots must not be forgotten, despite changes in cultural exposure.
5 Would the situation be different if a white American, or someone who does not belong to the Hispanic community, had called Mateo white-washed? Why?
It has no difference because a White American calling Mateo a “white-washed” individual means that he embraced white supremacy over the color of his skin, even when he has the autonomy to do so, implicating the same ideology from the previous children.
6 Would this scenario have different implications for self-identity formation for different ages...