The Shape of Identity

            Identity, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is "the qualities, beliefs, etc., that make a particular person or group different from others,"" or "who someone is." However, the identity of every human being is not something we are born with. Identities come from beyond ones self, and are constantly changing due to interactions, experiences, and events in a persons life. Through both "Casa"" by Judith Ortiz Cofer and "The Real World Consequences of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl Cliche'"" by Hugo Schwyzer, we are able to understand how the relationships we form with family and friends influence our way of thinking. Each author uses experiences to help us understand the influences outside forces have on our personal characteristics. Though we may not always be aware of it, the people we surround ourselves with ultimately determine our identity.
             Our identity is shaped through the many interactions we have throughout our lifetime. One of the largest, most influential relationships that molds our character is the relationship we have with our family. Through our family, we learn the many morals and values that we use to form judgments in many situations throughout our lives. Often times, family morals determine our views and ideas towards certain people and situations. In Judith Ortiz Cofer's essay "Casa ", she explains her grandmother's negative view towards men and its impact on both her and the rest of the females in her family. This aspect of her life is very relatable on many levels. Growing up with a mother who has two gay siblings, the relevance of acceptance and understanding of the gay community was a moral that was thrusted into the brains of my entire family. Spending time in high school writing about and advocating for the legalization of gay marriage sprouted from her beliefs and morals that played a strong role in shaping my ideals and views. Though the character in Cofer's essay may have shared a family view that was nearly the complete opposite of mine, it helped shed light on the roll that family morals play on every individual.