What’s in my bag?
OBJECTIVE:
To define your own self-concept and use objects from your own life to describe how culture shapes your self-concept.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Pease select three items of significance to you that help explain who you are and your culture. For example, an Italian cookbook, or certain type of music, clothing, skateboards, poetry, journals, etc. It can be ANYTHING (that is appropriate), there are no limits. As long as you can demonstrate that your item is significant to your self-concept, that is fine!
In your own words, define self-concept.
Describe your self-concept
Tell us about your own culture (remember- culture is not just about race/ethnicity, make this your own!) How does your own culture shape who you are now? For example, WHY do you love Italian food or cooking, WHY did you choose a certain job or have the hobbies that you do, do they travel?
Now tell us about the three items! For each item, please present the following:
Describe each item and why it is significant to you
How is each item related to your self-concept?
How is each item related to your culture?
Take a picture of the three items (or three separate pictures if needed) EMBED the images into this discussion assignment
Comment on another classmates items. What did you find interesting? Do you have something in common? Please be detailed and thoughtful in your response.
SUBMISSION
Please use the provided text box (preferred) to submit your answers or submit a word document or pdf.
GRADING
You will be graded using the rubric provided.
RESOURCES:
How do I embed an image in a discussion reply as a student? (Links to an external site.)
How do I reply to a discussion as a student? (Links to an external site.)
Canvas Student Guides, Discussion Topic List
EXAMPLE OF A SUBMISSION THAT RECEIVED FULL POINTS:
Self concept is how I see myself and how others see me. My own personal self concept is that I’m nice, handsome, loving, athletic, generous, a bit lazy, hardworking and creative. My culture is a Sicilian American, Iraq combat Veteran. I am athletic, an activist, a cook, a homesteader, a dedicated husband and an artist. Being an activist a Veteran and homesteader are all rooted in my desire to live in a better world. I am an artist because I love to create and be expressive.
The first of my three items is my stock pot, I travel a lot and since I pack light, a stock pot doesn’t travel well, it is often the first thing I buy when in a new city. This is important to me because its the only way to make gravy (red sauce) which is the staple ingredient for many of the Sicilian dishes I cook and eat.
stockpot-1.jpg
The second is my rollerblades. Growing up in NY, traffic is heavy and public transportation is crowded. It was my main source of transportation as well as participating in playing street hockey with my friends. As an adult I love it as a way to stay in shape. It’s interesting to see it becoming popular these days in California. For a long time, friends would mess with me because I wasn’t skateboarding.
skates.jpg
The third object I chose is my sketchpad. I love to draw, not only is it a great way to express myself creatively it is very therapeutic. I can spend hours drawing not realizing how much time has gone by. When I was living in Argentina for a period, drawing helped me embed myself into the artistic culture in Buenos Aires.
Self-concept refers to one’s perception of oneself, which includes personality traits, abilities, emotions, physical attributes, and more. It can be shaped by experiences, interactions with others, culture, and individual beliefs and values.
My self-concept is that of an open-minded, curious, and creative individual. I value diversity and try to be inclusive in my interactions with others. I am also an introvert who enjoys spending time alone or in small groups.
My culture is a mix of Indian and American. I was born and raised in the US, but my parents are immigrants from India. Growing up, I was exposed to Indian traditions and customs, which have shaped my values and beliefs. For example, I value respect for elders, hospitality, and the importance of education.
The first item that is significant to me is my yoga mat. As someone who values physical and mental health, yoga has been an essential part of my self-care routine. It helps me relax, destress, and stay fit. Yoga is also rooted in Indian culture, which makes it an important connection to my heritage.
yoga-mat.jpg
The second item is my camera. I love photography and capturing moments in time. It allows me to express my creativity and document memories. Photography is also a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and allows me to connect with others.
camera.jpg
The third item is my journal. I have been journaling since I was a child, and it is a way for me to reflect on my thoughts and feelings. It helps me process my emotions and gain perspective on situations. Writing is also a form of self-expression that allows me to be creative and explore my innermost thoughts.
journal.jpg
In summary, my self-concept is shaped by my values and beliefs, which are influenced by my Indian-American culture. The three items that are significant to me reflect my interests and passions and are related to my self-concept and culture. I appreciate the opportunity to share these items and reflect on my identity.
I found my classmate’s items very interesting. I particularly related to the journal as a way to reflect on thoughts and feelings. It is fascinating to see how individuals from different backgrounds can have similar interests and experiences.
