Blog Post #5- Chapter 11

Chapter 11 from the Bedford Book of Genres focuses on one’s “identity” as a writer. The chapter describes how it is very common for people to share their identity through tattoos, bumper sticks, or even the magazines we read. Therefore, it is also possible to show our identity through our writing. According to the chapter, there is someone’s personal identity and their cultural identity. I feel that personal identity focuses more on your personality, which can be shown through the things we wear. Meanwhile, I think that cultural identity is targeted to race, class, or gender. I found the several types of essays helpful because it showed a variety of personal and cultural identity. I enjoyed how the chapter points out that aspects of cultural identity aren’t always set in stone. The text describes how the difference between “sex” and “gender” is one that people overlook. It continues to tell how the standard roles for boy and girls, such as gender specific birthday cards, are changing with the times. Additionally, I enjoyed the “Research Experiments” that were included in the text. One of the experiments included observing a group that you are not a part of and make note of the scene, such as the smell and their clothing. I feel that this tactic is helping in writing, especially personal narrative, because specific details help the reader envision an identity for the character. When describing the clothes, tattoos, smell, or actions of a character, it forms a better picture.