Ashley

What Identity Means to Me
Ashley Chang
English 1100_35
August 31st, 2015
Professor Young

What Identity Means to Me

In Gloria Andaluza’s story “How to Tame a Wild Tongue” she speaks about

what identity means to her. She says that her language and where she is from

makes up her identity. One’s identity can be made up many factors. Identity to

me is my language and where I’m from. However, it can also be much

more. One’s identity is unique, it can be made up of one’s religion, culture,

tradition and it’s how you and others perceive yourself. It can also include your

background, gender, and race.

For me identity is my culture, my personality, it is my uniqueness. I was

born in Peru and brought to America as a baby. I have an Asian last name so

everyone always asks me if I’m Asian. My great grandfather was Chinese and

that’s the reason for my Asian last name. Although I am not really considered

Asian I do embrace it and see it as a part of myself. I try to learn as much as a

can about Asian culture because it is in my blood. I also see being Peruvian as

my identity. The way I speak, my Spanish, my traditions, the food, my gender,

my sexuality, all of that makes me who I am. Food to me is a passion and

Peruvian cuisine reminds me of home that’s how it connects to me. My

language, the way I speak Spanish, Peruvian slang is a part of how I grew up.

My personality is also something that makes up my identity, the way I am

towards others and how self driven I am. I am a bisexual female and I support

the LGBT community, that bothers some people but it's not about them or who

they are, I have learned to embrace my sexuality and to be proud of who I am.

I know I am not like other people my age and I am glad that I’m not. My

identity is my likes and dislikes, it’s how I live my life.