1.en.4 Identity: Who am I ? Stereotype? stereotyped?

Unit one revolves around the topic of identity.  It is very difficult to find straightforward answers, isn’t it?

What are the elements that make you the way you are?

Genes? Education? Family? Environment? background?

In terms of personality, can a single adjective describe what we are like?

look at this poem  by  Ryan T. Bliss

What do you think of it?

Stereotypes are commonly held beliefs, assumptions, or oversimplifications about groups or types of people. We all learn stereotypes about gender, race, class, ethnicity, religion, and age from the media, our peers, and families. Stereotypes, whether supported by evidence or not, make it difficult to see people as individuals. Some stereotypes, both positive and negative, get translated into expectations from parents/guardians, teachers, friends, and society as a whole. These are just some examples of stereotypes:

• “people think I am a trouble-maker because I skateboard”
• “people think I am good at maths because I am Asian”
• “people think I like pink because I am a girl.”
• “people think I am a rebel because I have piercings”

Read this “Just Because” poem written by an anonymous teen girl from San Diego, California.

Now it is your turn to give it a try. Use the template and write your own “Just because “version of the poem. Include at least three verses or stanzas

Just because I am _____________________________,

I am not _____________________________________

I am not _____________________________________

I am not _____________________________________

I am ________________________________________

In this site, you can find more Just because poems written by American teenagers. They might be a source of inspiration for you.

Pick up the one you fancy most and learn it by heart, so you can share it with your classmates. What makes this poem so special for you?

Some images and music for reflection.

What do you think of the I AM WALL? Maybe we could build one for our classroom.

Now, have a look at the two list of adjectives below. They might come in handy to boost your inspiration.