Danielle Aflallo 1316740

Creating my photo board was a meaningful experience to me which made me think in depth about what my beliefs and values are, whilst depicting them in photographs that represent who I am as an individual. However, sharing my photos amongst the class made me anxious to start with, I found the task to be very personal on how I portray myself and my views on culture and society.

The photographs I choose to represent each concept of culture, human, identity and history was a substantial aspect to the paper, showcasing elements on how I represent myself as an individual and my views in society. Schwartz’s (1997) captures meanings of each value type, representative value and the characteristics each holds, such as Universalism, valuing equality holding the characteristic of protection for welfare of all people which demonstrated in my view on human rights regarding equality. At first, I felt uncertain on how to identify myself due to different interpretations to what identity can be. According to Lawler (2008) it is not possible to provide a single, overarching definition of what identity is, nor how it is developed and works. However, analysing what I believe in helped me identify my involvement of being a spiritual person relating to the tattoos I have reflecting on my bi-cultural up brining. Lawler (2008) states that we share common identities as humans, such ‘women’, ‘men’, ’black’ and ‘white’. However, there is another characteristic of identity, which suggests people’s uniqueness, differs from others and modes of understanding being simultaneously the same but different, Lawler (2008). Equally, my identity related to my cultural view, shifting cultural identity, experiencing a bi-cultural upbringing influenced my beliefs as a spiritual person and view towards not abiding by any religion since moving to a sub cultural country providing free choice. In regards to history, reveals the different eras of historic fashion trends portraying social acceptance in wealth by the clothing you wore. Historic fashion continues to demonstrate wealth in the clothing you wear in today’s society due to designer labels socially reflecting on your materialistic social status.

Having learned the characteristics of values, I now realise how to identify myself. Most importantly, I have learned the diversity of others in the paper regarding how they perceive their views on the four topics. Given the ability to view my classmates photo boards and analysing their personal perception towards culture and society, a unique characteristic that I found interesting was a post regarding Zimbabwean culture, stating how dance is an important attribute to the culture. Showcasing different movement of dance determines the different cultures, also different celebrations or ceremonies whether it’s weddings or funerals. Dance is also used to welcome foreign dignitaries and opening ceremonies. Viewing these posts, I have significantly developed a better understanding towards the importance of what others may value. Acknowledging differences each person values is important to me as a learner because it has allowed me to gain better understanding towards peoples values with no judgement. Also, understanding human rights has lead me to view scenarios differently in society. This makes me feel more aware of different beliefs, culture and values with a deeper understanding and acceptance.

Reference:

Lawler, S. (2008). Introduction. In Identity: Sociological perspectives. Malden, MA: Polity, pp.1-9.

S. H. Schwartz, M. Verkasalo, A. Antonvsky & L. Sagive (1997). Value priorities and social desirability: Much substance, some style. British Journal of Social Psychology, 36 (7).