Assignment 3.3: Cultural Identity

2. Cultural Identity

Cultural Identity

What are some ways people identify themselves?  What does it mean to have a personal identity?  A collective identity?  A cultural identity?

Some factors to consider may include traditions, cultural background, language, religion and spirituality, the arts (music, dance, etc.), attire (clothing, body markings), relationship to the land, ideological beliefs (political view, personal mottos).

Is a Canadian someone who lives within the "physical" boundaries of Canada?  Or is a Canadian simply someone who identifies themselves as Canadian?  Can you identify yourself as Canadian AND something else?  Think about some common Canadian stereotypes or symbols (hockey, RCMP, the maple leaf, the word "eh", the national anthem).  Does everyone who is "Canadian" identify with these things?  Why do these stereotypes exist?