Individualism and Identity

Topic: Self and Identity Signals

Source: Conformity and Conflict, James Spradley and David W. McCurdy (p. 142 – 152)
Cultural Anthro, Richard Robbins (p. 248 – 258)
Irvine Spectrum Center
“Taboo? Scarification” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vvb16VyVEY
“Full Body Tattoo Taboo?” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIoa4-HPBhY&feature=relmfu
“Taboo: Body Modification” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puj8KCz0pMg
“Taboo? Flesh Branding” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO2am5gxPbE

Relation: As Robbins explains, “society is a collection of social identities;” (Robbins 133). That is, individuals try to find a role to occupy in society. An individual’s identity is in relation to their peers, culture and society. There are features, such as race, gender, and physical appearance, which are responsible for creating an individual’s identity. These features are referred to as an identity toolbox. In addition to these features, there is a multitude of other features that also contribute to an individual’s identity. Such features include, class, career, clothing, names, and many more.
Different societies have different views on the idea of self and identity. Some societies have individualistic views, meaning that individuals are “primarily responsible for his or her own actions,” (Robbins 135). This is view is very pronounced in American culture. The holistic approach states that individuals “cannot be conceived of as existing separately from society,” (Robbins 135). Egocentric views are those where the individual is “a replica of all humanity,” (Robbins 135). A sociocentric society would define the self as being in the context of situations. In Japan, the views of self are almost the exact opposite of those in America. In America, people seek to separate themselves from the group and be unique. In Japan, “the nail that sticks up shall be hammered down,” (Robbins 135).

Description: I left my apartment at approximately 4:30pm on Thursday and headed toward the Irvine Spectrum Center. I created a survey to find out how people perceived their own identity. I wanted to know how people perceived themselves in the context of society. I also wanted to know how people perceived themselves and their identities. My goal was to interview 10 participants and compare the results.
My first participant was Michael. His name had significance. He was named after one of his uncles. Michael viewed himself as being individualistic. When asked to describe five important features of his identity he answered with the following: his personality and his kind spirit. He believes that the most notable features of his identity are his “big heart” and his care free attitude. Michael believes that his identity is heavily influenced by society. He is comfortable with his identity and would not change anything about it.
My second participant was Ryan. His name did not have any significant meaning. Much like Michael, he viewed himself as being individualistic. When asked to describe five important features of his identity he answered with the following: nice, friendly, athletic, and honest. He believes that the most people perceive him as being rough, mean, smart and Mexican. He believes that he has control over his identity. Unlike Michael, Ryan admitted that he would like to be taller.
My third participant was Pam. Her name did not have any significant meaning. Much like Michael and Ryan, she viewed herself as being individualistic. When asked to describe five important features of his identity he answered with the following: short, outgoing, funny, sporty, and blind. She believes that her most noticeable features are that she is short, a teacher, smart, athletic, and assertive. She believes that she has control over his identity and doesn’t care how society defines her. Much like Michael, Pam is happy with her identity and would not change anything about it.
My fourth participant was Julia. Her name had some significance. She was named after her grandmother. Unlike Michael, Ryan, and Pam, she viewed herself as being egocentric. When asked to describe five important features of his identity he answered with the following: smart, athletic, positive attitude, moral, and badass. She believes that her most noticeable features are that she dresses in dark clothes, and she is tall, pale, and shy. Externally, she believes that society has control over her identity. However, internally, she doesn’t care how she is identified by society. She would like to be a few inches shorter.

Commentary/Analysis: Names are an integral part of our identity. We are not born with them; rather they are given to us by our parents and society. In many cases, names carry great significance. Michael and Julia were named after relatives. I wonder why their parents made this choice. Do they expect Michael and Julia to follow in their respective relatives footsteps? Why are these relatives so memorable? Why are these relatives deserving of such recognition?
In other cultures, names change with positions. “Among the Gitksan of British Colombia, the names people use depend on their social position; when they enter adulthood, get married, or assume a higher rank in Gitksan society, they change their names,” (Robbins 134).
It was rather interesting to hear the answers to the question regarding five important features of identity. The participants really focused on internal qualities rather than external. In addition, when asked what qualities others are most likely to notice, the majority of their answers were internal qualities as well. They rarely acknowledged external attributes such as clothing, height, gender, ethnicity, etc.
I also found it interesting how people really felt that they controlled their identity. It was not surprising, given that American culture is very individualistic. But they felt that they owned these characteristics. Characteristics that create our personalities, such as mannerisms, language, communication, fashion, etc. are all adopted from our parents, friends, colleagues, society, etc.
I also found it interesting that Michael and Pam would not change anything internal or external about their identities. Despite complaining about diminutive height, Pam said she was happy with herself. Ryan claimed he wanted to be taller. However, I was surprised that he did not mention that he would like to appear less Mexican. He is actually Filipino.
I began to wonder about my identity. In the context of my home, I would say my view of self is sociocentric. In the context of home, I am Iban, the second son of Rodolfo and the fourth child of Irene. But outside my parent’s home, I am Iban, the scholar, athlete, etc.
I also listed five important qualities of myself (Mexican, intelligent, athletic, educated, and funny). After looking at them, “Mexican” really stuck out to me. Why was it so important to me? I began recalling all the different times that people misclassified my ethnicity. People often assume that I am Chinese, Hispanic, Italian, Korean, Filipino, White, White + “Other,” or Colombian. Being recognized as Mexican is important to me not because I have pride in my ethnicity. It is important to me because my parents are Mexican and I hope to honor them in whatever I do.
While I believe I have some control over my identity, I acknowledge that society also controls my identity. I can do many things to change my appearance. Such changes include changing my wardrobe, changing my hair style, getting piercing, getting tattoos, etc. However, these changes are not without consequences. These changes will also change how people perceive me. People often perceive people with pierced eye brows, lips, and noses as rebels, misfits, or punks. In Japan, tattoos historically used to distinguish criminals from the general population. The Yakuza have adopted tattoos to identify themselves as part of the criminal underworld.
I reviewed my answers to the question regarding features of my identity that I would like to change (taller, appear more Mexican, and better language and communication skills). What did I mean when I said I wanted to “appear more Mexican?” I would have to define specific features belonging to that ethnic group. This proved to be a difficult task as I remembered what Jeffrey Fish explained in “Mixed Blood.” “Our categories for racial classification of people arbitrarily include certain dimensions (light versus dark skin) and exclude others (rounded versus elongated bodies),” (Spradley 251). There is great variation between Mexicans all over the country. Some states have higher indigenous populations than others and some states have greater European descendents than others.
I also wondered if my desire to “appear more Mexican” contradicted my desires to be taller and have better language and communication skills. For example, most Mexicans tend to be relatively short. Being taller would mean that I would appear less Mexican. In addition, to have better language and communication skills would mean that I would have to give up my subtle, Spanish accent. This would definitely affect people’s ability to recognize me as a Mexican.
We are defined by both what we are and what we are not. Identity in the context of society is very important. It may distinguish us from one another, but our overlapping qualities link us together and form our culture. As we continue to find new and innovative ways to display our individuality or conformity, our culture will evolve.

Family Composition

Topic: Family Composition

Source: Conformity and Conflict, James Spradley and David W. McCurdy (p. 187 – 184)
Cultural Anthro, Richard Robbins (p. 109 – 129)
Irvine Spectrum Center

Relation: As Robbins explains, the nuclear family is “the group consisting of a father, a mother, and their biological or adopted children,” (Robbins 111). There are two ways of observing nuclear family. There is the family of orientation, the family group that consists of father, mother, self, and siblings. There is also the family of procreation, the family group that consists of a husband, a wife, and their children. Many societies were founded on strong familial bonds. But as these societies became greatly interconnected through blood and marriage, the individuals had to find ways to avoid marrying their own family. The incest taboo is “a rule that prohibits sexual relations within certain categories of kin, such as siblings, children, parents, and certain cousins,” (Robbins 116). As seen in the many cultures, individuals trace their matrilineage, the descendents in the female line, or their patrilineage, the descendents in the male line, or both. In the Ratakote village of India, “to make sure incest is impossible, it is also forbidden to marry anyone from your mother’s arak or your father’s mother’s arak,” (Spradley 191).

Description: I left my apartment at approximately 2:00pm on Sunday and headed toward the Irvine Spectrum Center. I created a survey to find out the composition of people’s families. I also wanted to know how people perceived their families. My goal was to interview a diverse group of people and compare and contrast their family compositions. Originally, I intended to interview 10 test subjects. I was only able to find 6 test subjects.
My first was test subject was Jim*. He was enjoying lunch with two of his daughters outside Panda Express. Jim described himself as a father with four children. He did not have any adopted children. Jim perceived his family as a family of orientation. His family traces both matrilineage and patrilineage.
My second test subjects was Kate*. She was sitting on the bench near the carousal with her husband and their daughters. Kate described herself as a mother and housewife with two children. She did not have any adopted children. Kate perceived her family as a family of procreation. Her family traces only patrilineage because they are unable to determine her mother’s back ground.
My third test subject was Jane Smith*. She was rocking her granddaughter in a stroller across from Dave & Buster’s. Jane described herself as a mother, housewife, and breadwinner with two children. She did not have any adopted children. Jane Smith perceived her family as a family of procreation. She only traces patrilineage.
My fourth test subject was Mr. Bailey*. He was seated with his wife and their three “adopted children” at a table across from Dave & Buster’s. He described himself as a husband, provider, and protector. He and his wife do not have any biological children, but they refer to their three dogs as their “adopted children.” Mr. Bailey perceived his family as family of orientation. Unfortunately, he is unable to trace both his patrilineage and matrilineage because he is the product of Holocaust survivors.
My fifth test subject was Mr. Crabtree. He was seated outside Target with his wife and friend. He described himself as a father with two children. He does not have any adopted children. He perceived his family as one of procreation. In his family, they trace both matrilineage and patrilineage.
My sixth test subject was Frank Lee*. He was seated next to Target with his friends. He described himself as a father. He has one biological child and four adopted children. He perceived his family as one of procreation. His family also traces only patrilineage.

*All test subjects’ names have been changed to protect their privacy.

Commentary/Analysis: I found the differences in roles between the two roles quite interesting. The women were very quick to add that they were also housewives. On the other hand, the men were quite happy to leave it at father. I wonder why women were so insistent on including housewife. Is it some form of respect for their husband? Or do they feel like it is a title worth displaying? Could it be a form of self subjugation?
It was also very interesting to hear their responses to the question about family of orientation vs. family of procreation. I assumed that people, who described themselves as mothers or fathers, would perceive their families as families of orientation. I also assumed that people, who described themselves as husbands and wives, would perceive their families as families of procreation. The responses were quite the opposite. People who described themselves as mothers and fathers believed that their families were procreative. Mr. Bailey, who answered husband, believed his family to be one of orientation. It could that they heard “family of procreation” and assumed that it is the duty of a husband or wife to procreate and become a mother or father.
While the sitcom family remains the utopian nuclear family, it is hardly a reality. The Millers (Still Standing), the Simpsons (The Simpsons), and the Griffins (Family Guy) all have a husband, a wife, and three children. As seen by the results of my survey, none of the subjects had three children in their family. Some participants had more than three children and some had less. In fact, the only person who had three children was Mr. Bailey. But his children were “adopted” dogs. The TV sitcom representation of the nuclear family needs to change to better represent the actual composition of families.
I found it rather unfortunate that I could not find any participants between the ages of 13 and 21. It would have been nice to have a different perspective. It would have also been interesting to hear how young people perceive their role in the family, whether it was son, daughter, brother, sister, etc.
When I spoke with Mr. Bailey, he was very interested to hear about my background. I told him about growing up with parents, sibling, aunts, uncles, and cousins all in the same home. I also mentioned that my home consists of three generations (my mother, her daughter, and her grandson). It is also interesting how in American culture, family is separated into spheres of relations. For example, there is the immediate family, then cousins, second cousins, etc. In Mexican culture, it is immediate family, and then everyone is a cousin, aunt, or uncle. Mrs. Bailey is of Japanese ancestry. She mentioned that it is very similar to Japanese culture.
Mr. Bailey’s family serves as an example of the ever changing family composition. There is no one size fits all family. It doesn’t matter that his children are of a different species. In addition, families are becoming less patriarchal as they begin to also acknowledge the maternal line.

Soccer Rituals

Topic: Ritual

Source: Conformity and Conflict. James Spradley and David W. McCurdy (p. 310 – 319, 334 – 338)
 “TV3 - Crackòvia - Un contra un : Sergio García.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IladmhdqqwE

“Why were AC Milan wearing white shirts?” http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120328170658AAEzGoy

“Galliani stresses AC Milan will not wear 'unlucky' black jersey again.” http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2012/03/09/2956421/galliani-stresses-ac-milan-will-not-wear-unlucky-black

“Catania Vs AC Milan 1-1 All Goals And Highlights (31.3.12).” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRsHmhdmpwM

“Catania vs. Milan.” http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/source/espn3/#sport/soccer-futbol/type/replay/

“Nike Brazilian Soccer Commercial - Long Version.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqm5zavFlM0

Relation: A ritual is defined as “prescribed behaviors in which there is no empirical connection between the means (e.g., tapping home plate three times) and the desired end (e.g., getting a base hit),” (Spradley 312). As seen in professional baseball, many players adopt and discard rituals throughout the course of their careers. After a good performance, they will attempt to recreate the events that occurred prior the game. For example, some players believed that eating pancakes, eating chicken, chewing the same piece of gum, carrying a pebble, getting dressed a certain way, etc. are responsible for their good form.
There are several uncontrollable factors in baseball and life. “Routines are comforting; they bring order into a world in which players have little control,” (Spradley 312). Practicing pregame rituals gives players more confidence that luck is on their side. Many players are rather superstitious and believe that this can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Taboos are in fact the opposite. The term taboo “comes from the Polynesian term meaning prohibition,” (Spradley 314). Taboos are rituals and practices that players believe they should avoid if they want to maintain good form. These include but are not limited to crossing bats, having sex, and eating certain foods.
Many professional athletes also engage in fetishes. These charms are “material objects believed to embody supernatural power that can aid or protect the owner,” (Spradley 315). Fetishes much like rituals are expected to bring good luck to the beholder.

Description: It’s Saturday morning and I visit ESPN360.com to watch the much anticipated soccer match between AC Milan and Calcio Catania. As usual, the match officials lead both teams out of the player’s tunnel and onto the field. Both teams line up and wish each other luck. Catania, known as the “Rossazzuri,” is wearing their red- and blue-striped kit. Milan is dressed in the all white kit.

Commentary/Analysis: After reading the chapter titled “Baseball Magic,” I had hoped that I would see similar pregame rituals or fetishes. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any players touching the ground and blessing themselves as they subbed onto the field. Nor did I see players bearing lucky charms in their shin guards. Before, players used to wear gold chains, religious symbols, and earrings. I think this has been disallowed in recent years as a safety measure. I had also hoped to see a scene of the players’ dressing room and viewed a spectacle much like the one seen in the Nike commercial. The players sing on the bus to motivate themselves and pray for a great match and safety before going onto the pitch.
The most noticeable fetish I saw was the numbers on the players’ backs. Players and coaches often believe the certain numbers are reserved for certain positions. For example, the number 9 is given to a prolific goal-scorer, the number 10 is given to a playmaking midfielder, the numbers 2, 3, and 4 are given to rock-solid defenders, and the number 1 is given to a shot-stopping goalkeeper. El Shaarawy, the Milan forward, wears the number 92. I assume he chose this number because he was born in 1992.
Milan wore white for this match because they are the visiting team. But on March 28^th, Milan hosted Barcelona at the San Siro (Milan’s home stadium). During this match, they also wore white as opposed to their red- and black-striped home kit. Upon doing further research, the club believes this to be their lucky uniform. They have won more UEFA Champions League Finals while wearing their away kit than their home kit. In addition, when they wore an all black kit against Arsenal FC a few weeks ago, they were severely defeated at the Emirites Stadium. Shortly after the result, Milan’s CEO Adriano Galliani attributed the loss to the “unlucky” black jersey and promised that the team would never wear it again, (Galliani).
When I played soccer for my high school years ago, I had rituals that I believed were partly responsible for my good form. For example, I would drink 64 oz. of water the night before the game. I knew this would help me stay hydrated during the game and improve my performance. Before home games, I would rub my hands in the wet grass and rub the moisture into my hair and dry my hands on my jersey. I am unsure of the purpose of this ritual, but that did not prevent me from doing it before each home game.
During warm-up drills, I would do fancy passes and often fail at them. My teammates always asked me “Why do you try these things that you will never do in the game?” I would always respond “I am getting all the bad ones out now.” Somewhat opposite of the belief that bats have a set number of hits, I believed that I had a set number of bad kicks. This routine would ensure that I saved my best passes for the game where it really matters.

I do recall a taboo I had when playing soccer. I never looked at the crowd. It was my belief that I was on the pitch to play the game and any attention given to the crowd was taken away from the game. I believed that this would result in a crucial error as was the case for one of my friends. His girlfriend called to him from the stands. As he looked over to her, an opposing player took an unexpected long shot and scored.

There are also many other taboos that players practice. One of the major taboos is changing shoes before a game. As I recall, one of my teammates criticized another teammate for having practice shoes and game shoes. He believed that the player would not be able to transfer the experience acquired using the practice shoes to the game if he changed his shoes.