Meta-Analysis+of+Research

Takeaways from our Research:
In exploring the various aspects of identity formation in the context of the reading of //Amercan Born Chinese// by Gene Yang and multiple other texts, we focused on identifying both internal and external influences that factor into the creation of an individual's identity in a vastly diverse society. The search for identity begins in youth and is greatly impacted by the family unit, but also by the environment in which the formative years are lived and the experiences that shape and refine who we eventually become. //Through the Tunnel// by Doris Lessing demonstrates the attempt of a young boy to succeed in a ritualistic rite of passage through which he may gain acceptance from a his peer group while creating an emotional separation from the controlling mother figure. This is only one small part of the struggle to realize identity in a culture in which the definitions of identity are often vastly disparate. This may be a good place to start with a class prior to moving the issue into a more global context.

To focus even tighter on the issue of identity formation in the context of cultural immersion, we examined the impact of cross-cultural exposure similar to that experienced by the characters in //American Born Chinese// and the effects assimilation into other cultures than one's own has on identify formation. Matt de la Pena's book, //Mexican Whiteboy//, also provided a useful perspective on the potential pitfalls of blending cultural experiences and how these types of experiences may impact identity formation in both positive and negative ways. Danny seeks to reconcile the dual nature of his bi-cultural identity through seeking acceptance from the Hispanic social group from which he feels detached and isolated, thus developing a pluralistic cultural identity that further complicates his relationships.

Using these foundational concepts of identity formation, we then delved into an exploration of the role identity formation and identity negotiation/renegotiation played in the case of the recent bombings at the Boston Marathon. By examing multiple modes of texts pertaining to the case (videos, images, news articles, etc.), we were struck by the similarities that exist between the Tsarnaev brothers, who are Chechnyen by birth, but who lived in the United States for the past ten years, and the characters from //American Born Chinese// and //Mexican Whiteboy.// Each of these individuals struggle, or have struggled with identity confusion due to having "a foot in two different worlds", resulting in disparate allegiances and quite likely, a great deal of internal turmoil as they seek to reconcile "the other within." The conflict arises when these individuals must determine which aspects of their native culture will determine their identity given that they find themselves living in a different culture in which they are a minority. The question becomes, "Are two clearly disparate cultures capable of influencing identity formation within an individual who is or has been invested in both cultures?" If so, what determines which culture has the greater impact on the individual?

In the case of the Tsarnaev brothers, they find themselves being denied participation in both of the cultures they claim to occupy. On one hand, the United States, their home for the past ten years, sees them as villainous terrorists bent on destroying the very institutions and freedoms they have been enjoying since their arrival. On the other hand, the Chechnyens are denying any association with the boys, claiming they acted of their own accord, and that somehow the United States is responsible for driving them to the actions they have taken. Thus, the brothers are left with no support, much less acceptance from either culture to which they could lay claim to being a part. This is a timely and appropriate application of the questions of the importance of cultural influences on identity formation, and would stimulate some interesting conversation among upper-level high school students if presented in the way proposed in our project.