21st Century Literature

Identity

Who Am I?

This may be a difficult question to answer but it's one we ask ourselves at different points in our lives. Who am I? What makes me me? Before proceeding, give a listen to our podcast for this topic.

As said in the podcast, we will look at 21st century readings on topics that deal with issues on identity, such as gender identity, societal expectations, and insecurity. Some of these readings tackle difficult topics, so I ask you to tread carefully and with compassion. On a more positive note, we will end our exploration of this topic with poems that shows the beauty and strength in not only knowing one's self, roots, and culture, but also taking pride in them. Let's start by reading this article about your generation from the UK broadsheet The Guardian.

While reading the article, ponder on the following points:

These are insights that mostly center on teenagers in the UK. Which points do you think apply to Filipino teenagers?
Which of the Gen Z markers resonated with you the most? Why?
Which of the descriptions do you think were inaccurate? Why?
Did the article help you understand yourself and your peers better? If yes, how? If no, why not?

Likable by Deb Olin Unferth (8 mins)

Do I Like Who I Am?

Now let's move on to a delicate issue when it comes to identity: insecurity. People experience insecurity differently—some are insecure about their looks or weight while others are insecure about the way they speak or even think. They might lack self-confidence or have extremely low self-esteem.

There are others who are able to overcome their insecurities or at the very least, continue in spite of them. Unfortunately, some insecurities can be debilitating and extremely difficult to surpass. There was a point in time when my personal growth was arrested by a deep insecurity. But I have always found consolation in the fact that, while the journey toward self-love is difficult, it's one that everyone embarks on. It is part of being human.

Let's read a flash fiction piece (Likable by Deb Olin Unferth) that details a woman's battle with herself and after, we'll take a look at a spoken word performance (Shrinking Women by Lily Myers) that harrowingly yet eloquently describes that struggle.

Shrinking Women by Lily Myers (3.33 minutes)

After reading and watching these two pieces, think about the following:

Were there any lines that struck a chord? Which were they and why did they resonate strongly with you?
In her performance, Lily Myers talks about the struggle between males and females being very different. Talk to a friend or classmate of the opposite sex and try to see if you can both relate to Lily Myers' experience. Do you agree or disagree with her?
Shrinking Women also touched upon eating disorders, a psychological problem that many women and even men face. What have you understood about the disorder based on the video alone?

The previous selections focused on crises of identity—and they represent only a tiny fraction of the multitude of texts that speak about identity issues.

Let's now move on to two poems that celebrate identity and diversity. These two texts, "Bedecked" and "I Higaonon" show pride in one's gender and cultural identity, something we should all aspire for.

First read "Bedecked" by Victoria Redel, which to me, is a beautiful poem because of how it describes the courage it entails to come out and be comfortable with oneself—but from the point-of-view of a witness to that courage. Indeed, it takes a certain bravery to love an identity that many do not understand nor accept.

Then read "I Higaonon" by Telesforo Sungkit Jr. (link here), a poem that I appreciate because of the pride it radiates—pride in one's culture, heritage, roots—and the strong refusal to kowtow to foreign suppression. Heritage is a great source of identity, one that many of us take for granted. The Higaonon is an indigenous tribe in Northern Mindanao that is known for their ancient practice in resolving conflicts. If you have the time, I encourage you to read more about the tribe here. Also, while reading the poem "I Higaonon", I suggest that you read it out loud for an extra punch.

After reading the two, answer this googleform to share your insights.

Bonus: Here's a Spotify playlist I put together that is a combination of all the themes under the topic of identity. Except for the song from Cat Stevens, all the titles are from the 21st century.

There are songs from artists like Frank Ocean, Billie Eilish, Jimmy Eat World, Audioslave, and a local artist whom I highly HIGHLY recommend, Bullet Dumas.

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