In this world there are lots of identification marks for us as social beings, where identity has a variety of types. Such as personal identity, identity as a citizen, identity as a tribe, identity in an organization, etc. In this case, we need to think about which type of identity we prioritize and why, because an identity can connect us to a wider group and make us feel part of something bigger and more enduring, but it can also separate us even alienates us from other groups (samovar et al., 2016, p.247). And of the many types of identity, the most important in life is self-identity. It seems clichd that it is always a priority, but it also becomes a part of us where all our decisions to choose to prioritize what role in their life.
For me, self-identity is very important since it is a quality of knowing oneself. For instance, even though many people have a similar home, upbringing, or social setting, there may still be disparities based on each person's perspective and life experiences. The same thing happens when I make close friends with someone who is from the same ethnic group as myself, lives nearby, and attends the same school. This cannot be generalized since, regardless of how similar two people may be, there will always be differences in personality, thought processes, etc., which may result from values absorbed from the family culture.
The identity of nationality, which is also a part of us, is the second identity that I place a high priority on. People may believe that nationality is solely determined by the country of birth, although it is also possible to acquire it through naturalization. I give this priority in this situation since I am originally from Indonesia and because I have a connection to this country. Because of where I was born and raised, I have absorbed the cultural and social norms of this country. I also rely on the aura, or perhaps you would prefer to call it the atmosphere, that is typically experienced. Considering that a nation is fundamentally a nationality, its citizens share more characteristics with one another than they do with people from other nations, regardless of their individual distinctions in terms of ethnicity, race, religion, or other personal traits (Samovar et al., 2016, p.252).
I still prioritize other types of identity because they are a part of who I am. However, aspects of other types of identities can be said to have been incorporated into the top duo's most prioritized identities. However, self-identity is the most important type of identity because, in addition to covering all aspects of life, it is also a reflection of a person's self. I believe that we must know ourselves more than other aspects, because we cannot know or understand our other identities unless we first know and understand ourselves. We need to know ourselves better, especially considering other people's opinions, lest we lose our identity in this fast-paced global era.
Reference
Samovar, L. A., Porter, R. E., McDaniel, E. R., & Roy, C. S. (2016). Communication Between Cultures. Cengage Learning.
