The play "The Summer of the Seventeenth Doll" by Ray Lawler delves into the concept that external pressures greatly influence our sense of self, including factors like our surroundings, cultural influences, and the presence of others. The characters in the play are deeply affected by these external forces. However, it is important to recognize that individuals also face internal demands that have a similar impact on their sense of identity. Our environment, whether it be at home, school, work, or sports club, often plays a significant role in shaping who we are. Lawler showcases this idea through Enema's Carlton boarding house in the play which has a major influence on defining the characters' identities. Olive's life is particularly shaped and hindered by the tradition of 'lay-off'. Furthermore, North Queensland serves as ROR and Barney's home for seven months each year where they endure gruelin
...g tasks as cane-cutters under intense sunlight. The short film "The Cane-cutters," produced by The National Film Board in 1948 highlights how these men develop toughness due to physically demanding labor involving stooping,chopping,straightening,and topping cane. Their physical environment and occupation significantly shape their identities as a means of survival. Additionally,the culture one belongs to can impact their sense of self.
In the post-World War II era, Australian men were depicted as strong individuals with a friendly and larrikin nature. Alexander Harrier's novel "Settlers and Convicts" exemplifies this portrayal by emphasizing the unwavering support that Australian men have for each other. These labels play a role in defining individuals within Australian culture, creating an obligation to maintain this perceived identity. Lealer further explores this concept through his depiction of ROR and Barney as
"a couple of aging and broken kings," rather than conforming to the typical Australian male identity. Both men feel ashamed about no longer fitting into this stereotype, leading them to hide ROR leaving his own team from Olive. This struggle with reconstructing their identities after being defined by Australian culture is highlighted by Lealer. The quote "you are your own worst enemy" illustrates how our thoughts and inner selves shape who we are and contribute to our identity. Lealer uses Olive, the protagonist, to exemplify this concept as she clings onto her past identity and longs for what she had before, much like a young girl with a similar outlook on life.
When her sense of self is threatened, she loses control like an animal.
The movie 'The Black Swan' emphasizes Lealer's belief that personal growth and identity development can be hindered by one's own self.
The protagonist, a ballerina, faces internal conflicts and strives for perfection. These examples demonstrate how inner struggles can negatively impact our sense of self.
As social beings, we naturally seek interaction and connection beyond ourselves. Therefore, it is not surprising that external factors associated with us often influence our sense of self.
Our environment and surroundings play a crucial role in shaping our identity as we tend to reflect society's values, beliefs, and morals. Additionally, adhering to cultural norms tied to national identity can also affect persona formation by aligning personal values with societal acceptance.
We must recognize that both internal and external pressures significantly influence an individual's identity. While we have control over our internal pressures, we should acknowledge the role external pressures play in shaping who we are.
As humans, we possess the ability
to control our thoughts and actions, generating pressure that can impact our identity. To explore the vulnerability of our sense of self to external pressures, I wrote an expository essay titled "Identity and Belonging." In this essay,
- I thoroughly examined how various factors such as environment,
- other people,
- culture,
- and our inner selves
influence our identity.
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