Identity Is Never Static

“Identity is never static, always in the making, and never made.” Michael Wood’s words perfectly describe the relevance of change regarding one’s character and personal identity. An individual is not, and never will be constant, inconsistently changing at any given moment, but regularly being affected by the people and things around them. Therefore, who a person is and who they will become can be greatly influenced by the external factors that they are exposed to. Their interests and general beliefs, family, and culture and time period all contribute and transform their character, and who they will become.

Firstly, a person’s beliefs and interests can greatly change their lifestyle, bringing more focus and priority to the events or activities that they love. Someone who enjoys watching and playing hockey may spend their time more uniquely, unlike someone who enjoys ballet, which affects the opportunities they are exposed to. On the other hand, certain religions and doctrines limit various acts and ultimately change the way a person lives their lives. For example; the

As a child, a person becomes dependent towards their parents and believes their guardians are the most important. In this way, a child could become biased and assume that what their family says is always accurate, even in the most extreme circumstances. If someone were to grow up in an abusive household, they certainly would have a different lifestyle than others, and they might expect a traditional family to behave in the same way as they do. As an unknown author stated, “Memories are the architecture of our identity”. The people that we surround ourselves with create recollections and nostalgia that stick with us forever, and if their effect on our lives is negative, our memories may become tainted and difficult to overcome. Family is a very critical aspect that determines one’s