Richard Rodriguez's Identity: Identity And Self-Perception Of Identity

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Coming to America is one of the greatest milestones that deeply impacted my identity. Coming to an unknown land, I have experienced the struggle of adapting to the American culture and gaining access to its opportunities due to my language barrier. As a result, I did not have the choice but to assimilate myself into the American culture by learning it’s language and adjusting to its social norms.
Identity is important because it defines who we are as a person and it reflects on our values, culture, belief, and self-image. In addition, it is something that each person differs from one another. Each person has a different experience and mindset of what is considered to be their role in society or as an individual. According to Richard Rodriguez, the writer of the autobiography essay “Aria,” for a …show more content…

As people go through experiences and journeys it can heavily impact on the way they think or act, which can influence and change their self-perception of their identity. According to the writer Richard Rodriguez in his autobiography essay “Aria,” illustrates how his childhood experiences and social norms change his identity. As an immigrant child, Richard Rodriguez took pride in his identity of being Hispanic and speaking Spanish until he was compelled by society to conform to the American culture. He states how the nuns came to his home and asked his parents if “It is possible for you and your husband to encourage your children to practice their English when they are home (466).” As a result, Richard Rodriguez’s identity starts to change and starts to believe that in order for him to be accepted by society and gain an identity, he must assimilate into the public society. After assimilating into society, he ends up sacrificing his personal identities such as his Hispanic heritage and culture. Society has the power to assimilate people and change their

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