IDENTITY AND 'THE OTHER'

In visual representation

• Creation of Identity
• Concepts of 'Otherness'
• Analysis of visual example

Identity - who we are and how others perceive who we are.

What makes you, you?

• Physical attributes
• Deformities
• DNA
• Clothes
• Fears
• Sense of humour
• Skills + abilities
• Religion + beliefs
• Background
• Culture
• Accents
• Social skills
• Gender
• Sexuality

Non essentilist thoughts: Society shapes who we are and defines us.

How do you express your identity?

• Ethical Identity
• Subcultural Identity
• Lifestyle Choices
• Conspicuous Consumption
• Class
• Physical Attributes / Body Mod
• Conformity
• Informity
• Job  
• Profession / Vocation
• Language
• Emotional Availability
• Social Networking
• Reality vs Projected Identity

Most of these things rely on you projecting these themes for people to understand or perceive your identity.

Circuit of culture - Stuart Hall

Culture is the framework within which our identities are formed, expressed and regulated. 

Identity Formation

• Process from psychoanalysis
• Jaques LACAN
• The 'hommelette'
• The 'Mirror Stage'

Sense of self (subjectivity) built on receiving views from others.But this subjectivity is based on an illusion of wholeness and independence.

• - An illusion of wholeness
• - Permanently frail
• - Receiving views from others: smiles
• - Conscious attempts to receive affirmation about your identity

RESULT = own subjectivity is fragile

Constructing the 'other'

In the same way that we create our own identities, in opposition to what we are not, so does a society.

Problems: relies on the assumption of opposition and radical otherness

Shores up unstable identities through the illusion of unity

Shared fashion, belief systems, values

Subterranean Values (Matza, 1961)