If someone were to ask me to explore or talk about the origins of my identity, I wouldn’t know where to start, as I believe my identity is constructed by many elements, my opinions, my views, ethics, what I value in life, what I look for in life, the culture I’ve grown up in.
The origins of my identity I would say derive from values and views that I have constructed and picked up on growing up in two different cultures; British culture and an Indian culture. Growing up I learnt the traditional Indian values of what a “good Indian daughter” should have and what she should do. For example learn to cook, clean the house and be educated. This is often similar amongst everyone else’s values. As time progressed I would say my views and values expanded as instead of seeing the world through how my parents wanted me to see it, I could see it from my point of view. For example I am a strong believer in peace and equality, that each individual is entitled to their own perceptions. I value the goodness and humbleness within people and their generosity. I feel that its not so much myself that makes up my values and views but it’s the people in whom I am in contact with, that construct them.
I believe my existing views and values will influence the way in which I interact with my research and my site. The site being a restaurant and one that I am apart of constantly, is an open friendly atmosphere so I believe that the way in which I interact with this research and the site will be heavily determined by the values of openness and equality. I value respect and so I believe that when interacting with the site I will offer the same respect to others that I am interviewing that I myself would want. Also I see myself to be a shy, silent observant type of an individual in which with this research it will be played to its strength, as I will be able to analyze situations and observe without making a scene. I would strongly say that my sensitivity would also influence the way I interact with my research in a positive light as I would be able to empathize with any situation and be able to see situations from various perspectives as I see the world in an optimistic open view. Lastly I think my friendly attitude will work well, due to the environment I am in and also seeing the participants are my friends it will make the research more exciting and enjoyable for me.
Due to being a caring person, I feel this can both have a positive and negative outcome with the relationship that I have with my research topic, as being able to care, support, empathize with a situation will work in creating good research, but I also need to be aware to step out of this caring attitude at times in order not to just “find and research” certain aspects that I want to, but to create a broad analysis.
Also I view myself to be a cautious person, aware of others and their feelings and so I usually try to watch how and what I say in order to not cause offense to others, which will surely influence the way I interact with my research site in a positive way.
I also feel that this research my even make my relationship with this site even closer and connected, as I may begin to value and appreciate artifacts or subjects more than I do now.
Hey, Harveen.
ReplyDeleteA very contemplative posts, that touches on a number of interesting considerations! I'm especially intrigued by the dual (and perhaps conflicting?) nature of the British and Indian influences.
Indeed, your personality will definatley influence the manner in which you interact with both subjects of research and the interpretation of that reserach. Nice work, Harveen.