Define Group Identity Essay

We currently live in a world that is diverse in culture, language, religion and traditions. These beliefs and ideas are shared within groups of people that identify with each other as being similar and following the same dynamics of the group they primarily associate as theirs. Some examples of these primary exclusive groups are, Latino, White, African American, or Catholic and Christian. These are some of the groups that people all over the world fall into place based on their background. Often it is the influence of one’s family that contributes to the groups that one interacts with and understands. A major aspect of the “group” you belong too is your neighborhood community because they are likely to share the same interests and values as you. However, there is a “group” that does not belong, the reason for this is that they don’t follow or have the same dynamic and interest as you. These groups are …show more content…
While a community is defined as the relationships within groups of people. Both culture and community are the key concepts to defying the identity of groups. Finding a groups identity is only possible when you have an Other to compare and contrast it with. Stuart Hall states “Only when there is an Other can you know who you are” (99). Meaning that identifying and excluding others from belonging helps a community find their true identity because they have a clear concept of what it means to belong and what it means to be different. Being different is synonyms to being the “Other” because you are outkasted by your foreign and alien ways. That is why cultures and communities “other” because it aids them with a visual of their identity by defying what they are not supposed to act and look like. If it weren’t for the Other many cultures and communities would be lost and we wouldn’t be as diverse and unique as we are up to this