External Forces In Kwame Appiah's Racial Identity

Growing up in a world where there is so much pressure to be successful, numerous people are frightened of being ostracized for being themselves. As a young child, completely care free, opinions of others or how they might look at me never crossed my mind. But the older we get, conforming to the rules became the norm, a drastic change occurred as a yearning for acceptance grew. In the articles by Bordo, Appiah and Foucault, readers can see a range of views presented as they elaborate further into the topic of identity. The debate between internal and external forces is examined in detail as the audience experiences the polar spectrum of their logic and the idea that we as people are ever changing. Change occurs every moment of everyday, whether …show more content…
Their perception of us does not have to define us. Whether you are African American or Native American, you are not obligated to accept the stereotypes put onto you and the biases people have about you. He emphasizes the potential of choice and living for yourself. Even today, racial identity still has controversy surrounding it, showing us that we will always have to deal with people’s superficial opinions about you no matter what. Even though this is what happens, you can still deflect these judgements by living for yourself and you only. Some people around the world have never seen magazines, billboards or even experienced the internet. They are completely unaware of the preconceptions people have from media or authority since they have never experienced that in their life. You cannot help what family you are born into, but you do not have to stay like that your entire life. Examples of types of people who break away from their originally given lifestyle: the Amish. Many of them choose to leave the community and become their own. In the article, Appiah gives us hope, showing us that it is possible to step outside of the box that humankind has already put you in. This shows that there is hope outside bias and prejudice. On the other hand, there are some weaknesses to this type of thinking. Even …show more content…
We cannot help our surroundings or how we were raised when we are younger because we have no control over it. When we grow older, it is important to recognize that you do have a choice and you can break away from that given opinion that you grew up with, like Appiah argues. In the spectrum between all three, I believe that I fit in most with Appiah’s point of view. We do not clearly realize the power within ourselves, but when we do, we can be unstoppable. I agree more with Appiah’s claim because he says that we can and should choose what affects us. Having those values, morals and mindset that you are in control of your life is essential to living a balanced life. No matter what roadblock may come in your way, you have the choice to make the situation