I chose to write about the reading by Camillo-Rowe. In this reading Camillo talks about changing what being an individual really means. They say that instead of our identity just be based on ourselves alone, it should be based on the communities we are apart of but also the people we have connected with is apart of that as well. Early in the article Camillo says "The meaning of self is never individual, but a shifting set of relations that we move in and out of, often without reflection,(Camillo Rowe, 16)". This statement to me basically means that whoever you really think you are as an individual, you became that person based on where you have been in life.
To me I have a few different homes. I of course live in Minneapolis so this is my main home because this is where I live, where I work, and where I go to school. But my other home is my moms house. That's where I grew up and where I have a lot of family memories so that home has helped me grow into the person I am. But my third home is back in Bosnia. Most of my family is still there and whenever we go back to Bosnia, that's where I feel most like myself. My culture, my family, the music, the food, everything about it has made me who I am as well and I'm so grateful to be from somewhere so beautiful and I feel at home every time we visit. So when I think about how Camillo says we aren't an individual identity, I understand that because I wouldn't be me if it wasn't for the people around me and all the places I call home.
Hi Amina,
ReplyDeleteI think you covered Camillo-Rowe's article very well in the topics you discussed. I also chose to write about her article and found some intriguing topics within it. The idea of individuality is basically the whole article and she works it into many scenarios. I agree that who we are can also be described by the communities and people who surround us. Coming into college, I, and I'm sure many others would agree that they didn't know who they were. By having more experiences and going through life, people are able to mold themselves. But there will always be a part of you that will be your foundation for who you are as you mentioned.
Great post, Amina!
ReplyDeleteI think you hit the nail on the head with your analysis surrounding the idea of individuality from Camillo-Rowe's perspective. I concur that one's sense of self is constructed and influenced by where you have been and who you've connected with in your life. Being that I have parents that are separated, I was able to connect with people in different areas of Minnesota. This definitely had an impact on who I have become and my sense of individuality.
The way in which Camillo-Rowe describes individuality makes me think of the concept of intersectionality. Merriam Webster defines intersectionality as "the complex, cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) combine, overlap, or intersect especially in the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups," which into this way of thinking about how individuality is constructed.