Individualism
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When thinking of a person’s uniqueness, we think how that person presents himself or herself, and with verbal and non-verbal expressions, they help fulfill that uniqueness. If a person talks a lot it helps make up their identity, as a person who doesn’t talk a lot, makes up their identity. Language and identity, along with expressions, help make up who we are, and whom we are is what makes us different from the next person, to the next. Each day we say, or do something that makes our lives what they are, which makes us unique individuals in every aspect of life. So with this being said, I believe that as a culture we are to censored, which leads to falsities with identities, and showing our uniqueness. If we are all censored and made to think like everyone else, then every person would be the same, and no body would be unique. For example, in the movie, “Fuck,” people are either against it, or they don’t mind it being said, and in the play, “Doubt,” social roles change the way people interact. If we are people and have an identity, I believe it should not be altered, because of the way someone would react, because we are, who we are.
In the documentary film, “Fuck,” famous actors and comedians discuss the very controversial word fuck. The film, expresses the famous actors and comedians views on the word, and while doing so it is easy to tell who is for it, and who is against it. Also, it is easy to tell their personalities, just from how they view the word, showing how big the communication of one word can be in this film. In several scenes, actors and comedians express their feelings on freedom of speech, and if there is freedom of speech, why shouldn’t we be able to say this word whenever we want. This movie is a very big example, of how words, and the usage of words, make up a persons identity.
In the play, “Doubt,” the way they express themselves comes through their role in the church. It involves two nuns, a priest, a student and the students mother. Throughout the play, the two nuns believe the priest has indecently touched the student. However, because they are only nuns they are obligated to treat the situation cautiously. Even when the nun questions the priest, she does so in a way where she is only beating around the bush, she does not directly asks him this question until the end, when the priest replies by saying his has more power, and she should stay in her place and has no authority in questioning him. This shows how roles change the way people can communicate and totally disregard equality throughout communication.
In our society who we are, is often reflected by what we say, or how we act, through communication, and nonverbal communication. Even our body movements can reflect upon our identity. For example, if someone is quiet and only makes certain movements, it may mean they are shy, whereas someone, who is very talkative and maybe a little loud, may be classified as someone who is not shy and is outgoing. All these assumptions can be made from someone’s verbal and nonverbal communication. However, it is more then who we are, it is how we communicate to our friends, teachers, classmates, and society in general.
In this country many questions arise everyday. For example, why does our constitution guarantee the “freedom of expression?” This question is very controversial, because, why bother guaranteeing the people “freedom of expression” when much of our country is censored. From when we are children in elementary school, we are taught how to behave, and what not to say. In doing so how can we find our own identity? How can we express our true selves, if what we express, is what we were taught? I believe that the only reason we have “freedom of expression,” is due to the fact that we truly do not express our true self. We only express what we are taught to think, and how to act and what not to say. Everything is influenced by, what someone else thinks is right, even if we disagree; that’s why we are allowed freedom of expression, because we only express what is taught to be right.
In our society many parents, students, teachers, and people in general always wonder what is appropriate. When trying to act on what someone thinks is appropriate almost hides our true identities. For example, different rules apply to different times; for instance, some language may be appropriate for adults, when it is not appropriate for children. However, appropriateness affects people on an even greater scale. The movie “Fuck”