STA MARIA, Casey Nicole B.
February 20, 2025
BSP 1A Reflection #3 - Anthropological Self
The recent lecture on the anthropological self really resonated with me. It made
me realize how deeply culture influences our identities and perceptions. It’s
fascinating to think about how our sense of self is intertwined with the world we
inhabit.
One aspect that particularly caught my attention was the distinction between the
material and cognitive elements of culture. The material aspect encompasses
tangible items—like clothing and artwork—that narrate our life stories. In contrast,
the cognitive aspect revolves around our beliefs and values. Together, these
elements illustrate that culture is not merely a backdrop; it plays a significant role in
our daily lives, linking us to our heritage and to one another.
We also explored how individuals respond to various cultures. Ethnocentrism
occurs when someone believes their culture is superior, which can lead to
misunderstandings. On the other hand, xenocentrism is when someone holds other
cultures in higher regard than their own, sometimes resulting in feelings of
disorientation. Then there’s culture shock, that intense feeling of being overwhelmed
when encountering something entirely new. I’ve experienced this while traveling,
where excitement mingled with a sense of being lost in unfamiliar customs. These
experiences have taught me the importance of being open-minded and appreciating
the beauty in our differences.
The lecture also delved into the interactions between cultures. Assimilation
takes place when a minority culture adopts the dominant one, often at the cost of its
own identity. Acculturation refers to the mutual influence between cultures, while
amalgamation occurs when they merge to form something new. This serves as a
reminder that culture is constantly evolving, just as we are.
Ultimately, this lecture has helped me view culture as a dynamic force that
shapes our lives. I aspire to approach each cultural experience with curiosity and
respect, celebrating both my own heritage and the diverse cultures that surround me.
I feel motivated to embrace our differences and value the connections that unite us.
STA MARIA, Casey Nicole B. February 20, 2025
BSP 1A Reflection #2 - Psychological Self
Building our identity is one of the most emotional journeys we can take.
Reflecting on how we develop our sense of self has made me realize just how
deeply our experiences shape who we are.
Freud’s ideas about childhood really hit home for me. He believed that our early
experiences leave marks on our personalities. Thinking back to my own childhood, I
can see how those moments—both good and bad—have shaped my identity. It’s a
reminder that our past is part of us, and it influences how we see ourselves today.
Then there’s Bandura’s social cognitive theory, which shows how much we learn
from those around us. I’ve been inspired by friends and family, and their support has
helped me believe in myself. It’s empowering to know that we can shape our
identities through our choices and the people we connect with.
William James’s idea of the real self versus the ideal self really resonates with
me. The real self is who we truly are, while the ideal self is who we wish we could be.
This gap can feel heavy, especially when we’re trying to meet expectations. But it’s
okay to be a work in progress. Embracing our true selves, with all our flaws, is what
makes us human.
The struggle between our true self and the false self is something I know all too
well. We often wear masks to fit in or please others, but that can leave us feeling
empty. I want to be brave enough to show my true self, even when it’s hard.
The idea of having multiple selves is comforting. We all act differently in various
situations, and that’s okay. It’s part of being human. Recognizing that we can adapt
while still being true to ourselves is a beautiful thing.
In the end, understanding how our identity develops is a journey filled with ups
and downs. It’s about learning, growing, and embracing every part of who we are. As
I reflect on this, I feel inspired to keep exploring my identity and to celebrate the
unique person I am becoming. This journey is about more than just finding
ourselves; it’s about loving every messy, beautiful moment along the way.
