Jasslean Bracamontes

QS115 Approaching University Writing

Jennifer Rodrick
11/16/16
Project Text: How and why individuals shaped their identity
If you want people to love you for who you are, then take the mask
off (Quetzal). The majority of us always have a different mask on,
depending on who we are surrounded by. All these multiple personas only
make it harder for ourselves, as one shouldnt judge themselves through the
eyes of others. The novel, A Single Man, illustrates the life of a gay man,
named George, who acts accordingly based on who he is with. Individuals,
just like George, have embodied their identity to only open themselves with
specific people, satisfying others but themselves, due to preventing the
judgments from others.
Throughout the novel, one can see how George is different with
everyone he spends time with but can only trust Charley, because he
understands that she will never judge him negatively. In one scene, George
and Charley have a long night together where we can see how he can openly
talk about anything, even Jim, his longtime lover. Something is happening to
GeorgeHe is quite aware of this-but whats the harm?...Just as long as
theres no one to hear him but Charley! (Isherwood 134). George is not
afraid of acting the way he wants to with Charley because no matter what,
she will never make George question his character with her. Moreover,

George feels some sort of security with Charley, maybe because he can see
that they are both going through a hard time together. As a result, George
has a safe place with Charley, unlike other people in his life. Georges activity
differs with how he wants he wants his identity to be perceived.
The majority of the time, our actions are based upon the identity we
seek to show to those that draw near us. The way we shape our identity is
formed by our fear of others and can greatly affect our doings as well. The
Critical Media Project claims on their site, The Critical Media Project media
literacy and the politics of Identity, how identity overpowers every single
aspect of our life. Our identity can fundamentally shape our life experience,
how were treated, whom we meet and become friends with, what kind of
education and jobs we get, where we live, what opportunities were afforded,
and what kind of inequities we may face. Clearly shown with George in the
novel, by him depicting his identity to be hidden by those he is afraid of
showing, causes him not to not enjoy life the fullest. By him screening his
identity, he lived day by day not accommodating his needs because of the
fear from others.
Others may argue that our choices are only affected by or own
insecurities and thoughts but that isnt the case. Yes, our insecurities may
have an input in our actions but the dominance over peoples views
substantially result in how we form our identity. Blogger, Harris O Malley,
created his own website, Paging Dr. Nerdlove, to give a piece of advice over
those who struggle with their identity, relationships, sex and more. The

article, The Power of Identity, stated The way you see yourself directly
affects the way that you perceive the world around you; everything is filtered
through the prism of your identity, from the way you interact to other people
to the way that you think (Dr. Nerdlove). George
kept seeing himself as a gay man who had to
hide his identity from those he was scared of. As
a consequence, would act differently with the
people he hanged around with, openly with a
few but secretly with most. The only way one
can feel 100% comfortable with everyone they are
with,

then they must accept who they are and not let others

beliefs be the way you chose to live your life.

Unlike George, some would not allow others be in control of how
they would be defined and what actions they will take. The Image shown on
the left is a quote asserted by Mat Johnson about his identity is perceived by
others. This comes to show that identity is a problem in multiple features.
George was facing it as a gay man, Matt with his racial identity but the
difference between both is how Matt dealt with his situation. George on the
other hand, chose to depict his identity through what other people think and
to hide himself from being shown for who he really is.
People should not be frightened with the thoughts of others. George
should not let his actions be delineated by the requirements of his society.
He should feel free to be who he is with everyone he knows, without

judgements. Can only do so by not letting his identity be hindered by his

surroundings. We must trust that those who wont judge will always be there
for us.