Navigating Identity
“If you ask me the question, ‘Where are you from?,’ I can never answer in one word. I usually pause for a moment and mentally calculate what you’re actually asking me— is it what citizenship I carry? Where I grew up? Or even what race I am? As a biracial Eurasian who has lived in three countries spanning three different continents over the course of my life, discussions of identity used to be a constant reminder that I could never fit myself neatly into the expectations of any one group. My mom is Korean, and my dad is half-Austrian— they told me I was both, but I felt like I was neither. My racial ambiguity kept me a perpetual foreigner in every place my family called home, and constantly trying to balance Eastern and Western behavioral norms felt like walking a thin tightrope of acceptability. Growing up teetering on this tightrope often felt somewhat alienating, like I could never truly belong anywhere.
It was only more recently that I realized I could turn that tightrope into a bridge, one that fosters connection between cultures and greater inclusion for all. My international and multiracial experiences allow me to approach discussions about nationality, race, and language with greater nuance and compassion, knowing that identity is just as complex for others as it is for me. And I’m proud to know that I DO truly belong, in the spaces I was born into and in the spaces I choose to inhabit. My identity encapsulates so much more than what immediately meets the eye, and is constantly evolving to incorporate my new experiences as a friend, student, and person.
So… let me answer that question you asked earlier, in its entirety. Hi, I’m Yaerin. I was born in New York, grew up in London and Hong Kong, and go to college in Maine. I’m also biracial, with roots in Korea, Austria, and New England. Where are you from, and what do you value most about your experiences being from those place(s)?”
- Yaerin Wallenberger, Connection Labs Intern
Throughout life we are asked to respond to varied forms of the same question: who am I? Whether we are settling this question within ourselves or providing the answer for an outsider's perception, we spend years forming, exploring and communicating our identities so as to build and maintain our sense of self. The answer to this overarching inquiry–who am I–is often elusive. What does it mean to define oneself, and whom does this definition serve? How does an awareness of ourselves and our positionality enable us to practice inclusivity and contribute positively to the world around us?
Did you know?
Identity is both social and personal in nature. For example, adolescents who are newly capable of searching for the “real me” often display false fronts* as they seek the approval of others. In the stage of identity foreclosure**, an individual has resigned to an identity thrust upon them by parents or peers. Society plays a key role in identity expression, determining what is acceptable and expected.
Our “social mirror” is intersectional, encompassing our race, our sexuality, our gender, our religion, our abilities and our class. We are a reflection of what others notice about us, that which makes us distinguishable. Being part of a dominant or subordinate group likewise influences how we experience identity. According to psychologist Beverly Tatum, members of dominant groups establish social dynamics via power and privilege–dynamics to which those of marginalized identities are pressured to adhere.
An understanding of identity is essential to establishing a culture of psychological safety and belonging. Acknowledging the role of power and privilege in shaping the dynamics between dominant and subordinate groups is an important part of the process. We can then practice inclusive leadership by intentionally removing barriers to opportunities experienced by minority groups, fostering diversity and equity in the workplace, and enabling team members to utilize their unique perspectives for the benefit of the team.
Awareness, Context, Intention
Building Awareness: How does your identity influence how you navigate the world? How does your identity impact how you build or perceive psychological safety?
Considering Context: How does your “social context” inform how you experience identity? In what ways is your identity multidimensional?
Creating Intention: What can you do to advocate for representation from diverse groups? How can you challenge social structures that cater to dominant groups?
Tap into your strengths
Embrace differences in identity by exercising your strengths.
Use appreciation of beauty and excellence to admire distinct perspectives of a diverse team
Use humility to recognize your social privilege
Use leadership to provide equal opportunities and equal treatment for all
Use curiosity to grow your understanding of identity
