February 4: Against what do you measure your identity? What do you compare yourself to?
When asked what do I compare my identity to, I would say everything. I compare myself to the world around me, whether it is my friends, my family and my environment. There are many aspects of my life that I compare to others. I compare myself to others in school, in the way I act or the way I am treated.
My friends are the first thing I compare myself to. I know that I’m not like them, but I try my hardest to do things that they do. I do my best to fit in, but its hard because I’m not as smart as them or as pretty. Even though I am told I am part of the clique that is athletic/ smart/ popular, I still want to be more than that. I want to be liked by everyone. All of my friends are more responsible than I am. I admit it, my mom does a lot for me, and it is something I don’t talk about in front of others because it something I am very conscious about. My mom does my laundry and makes my lunch for me in the morning.
I also try to compare myself to what I see around me everyday. When I look in magazines I am always comparing myself to the girls I see in there, whether they are models or girls that are doing things to help the world. I try to be like them by wearing certain types of clothing or wearing my hair similar to famous people. My sister has told me that I buy my clothes at the popular places like Garage and Lulu Lemon just because my friends have clothes there, and it is something I ask myself. Do I really just buy clothes there for that reason? Of course I know that it’s not true, but a part thinks it is. I also compare my lack of relationships to other people. It seems like everywhere I look someone is in a relationship and I am not. I don’t know why I compare it to others, but I do. It is a subject that is kind of embarrassing to be talking about because I have yet to be in a relationship and most people my age have been in a few.
Finally I compare myself to my family. I know they love me the way I am, but I can’t help but think what I can do to improve myself to earn more love and trust. I try my hardest to be what my family wants me to be, but I feel that my best isn’t enough. I know my mom tells me I am smart and pretty, but it is hard to believe it when my sister is smarter than me and prettier. Funny isn’t it, I’m comparing myself to my fifteen year old sister, but it is true. She has everything she wants because she is caring and responsible.
The song “Lucky”, by Britney Spears is about a girl who is always upset. She has everything she has ever wanted, but she is still sad. She compares herself to everyone who has someone in their lives to make them happy.
Not only am I suppose to write down my ideas, I am also suppose to respond to other peoples blogs. I responded to Melanie’s blog. So to see what I wrote, check out her blog at melsmusings.edublogs.org or by clicking here.
on April 21, 2008 at 8:37 am
Hey Steph! You have some really good insights into how you compare yourself to others. I know that when I look at other people I often wish I had what they have. I think it is part of human nature to want what others have. It’s just important to remember that they probably look at you and are jealous too!
I don’t think that it is important to be just like your friends. It is nice to fit in, but you can fit in without being exactly the same. Just so you know my mom does a lot for me too. I’m definitely going to miss having my supper made and laundry done next year!
In my post I said that I try to compare myself to the person I want to be. This is probably a good thing to do but I know that there is part of me that still compares myself to those around me. I guess it’s just a part of life.
I think your video really adds to the mood of your post. It really helps to add to your message.