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3. Mosaic of Self

Group Portrait of Queer Friends
Girl Lacing Up Her Shoes

Discover Your Self

The value of identity of course is so often with it comes purpose.

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Richard Grant

Parts of the challenge were inspired by Michael Wesch's Art of Seeing.

Lesson

Cultivating empathy begins with knowing ourselves. Close examinations of what makes us who we are can help us see past our own assumptions, understand that humans are products of complex cultures, and notice the little things that matter (Wesch). When we explore how our identities, we can begin to realize how they impact how we approach the world and other humans. This is vital because our own identities influence how we view others' identities. 

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TED Talk "My Identity is a Superpower--Not an Obstacle" by America Ferrera

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TED Talk "Who Am I? Think Again" by Hetain Patel

Challenge

As you begin this challenge, consider the various aspects that make you, you. Make a list:

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  • See BIG--What do others see?

    • Your race & ethnicity

    • Your culture

    • Your gender

    • Your SES

    • Your age

    • Your sexual orientation

    • Your religious affiliation

    • Your physical appearance

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  • See small--What parts of you â€‹might others not see?

    • Your experiences in school​

    • Your experiences with reading and writing

    • Your political beliefs

    • Your interests

    • Your technology use

    • Your motivations

    • Your family relationships

    • Your peer relationships

    • Your confidences

    • Your insecurities

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  • See it ALL--How does this all create the mosaic that is YOU?​

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Examine your list and create an inventory of how these elements of your identity manifest themselves in your day-to-day life, in your steps toward your long-term goals, in the decisions you make. How might these aspects of you shape the decisions you make? What role does language play in your representation of you? How do these elements influence the texts you interact with and create? How do they influence the way you interpret the world around you? Which of these aspects most influence your choices?

 

Plan out 5 or 6 photos that highlight the most important aspects of your identity. Go capture compelling images that best introduce the world to YOU. Post your 5 or 6 photos as a single post on Instagram, along with illustrative captions for each photo. Discuss how these aspects of you impact your approach to the world. Use the hashtags #teachwhys #teachwhyschallenge3.​​

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