CAPS #1 Sarah Nelson

From the moment we are born, we are given the task of defining ourselves and others; this is the definition identity, (Martin & Nakayama, 2013). Some aspects of identity are assigned from birth, while others are defined by the choice of the individual. Identity is built upon the communication of people, and there are three perspectives on how identity is communicated, (Martin & Nakayama, 2013).  The social science perspective interprets one’s identity as static, (Martin & Nakayama, 2013).  The other two perspectives, interpretive and critical, both view identity as dynamic, either as interactions with others for an interpretive perspective or outside contexts for a critical perspective (Martin & Nakayama, 2013). Regardless of which perspective presented, it is apparent that identity is formed by one’s view on the world and where they are placed in it. In the following example, Binyavanga Wainaina’s identity was shaped by his worldview by the country he was born in and the view that country has towards homosexuals.

"Mr. Wainaina" Sven Torfinn
for The New York Times, 2014

In many countries in Africa, being gay is a crime punishable by time in prison. Some can even face punishment by seeing or aiding homosexual acts and not reporting them, (Kulish, 2014).  If a homosexual individual was born into a country where being gay is denounced and sinful, it would seem obvious he or she would be greatly influenced by the communication of people and laws of the country.   On his forty-third birthday, acclaimed Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina revealed a “lost chapter” of his memoir where he comes out, (Quinn, 2014).  Although he asserts he knew he was gay by age five, the majority identities of those around him kept him from showing his minority identity public.  His announcement is described as a “gay bombshell” and comes at a time where laws concerning gays in sub-Sahara Africa are fiercely debated, (Kulish, 2014).  Religious, national, and sexuality factors of identity are at play in this situation. Two reasons that Wainaina gave for coming out include the recent legislation in neighboring Uganda and Nigeria as well as “the death of a gay friend whose family was kicked out of their church while trying to hold a memorial service for him,” (Quinn, 2014, para. 1). Both religious and national aspects influence his identity of sexuality.  It appears that because he was a part of a minority identity, he developed his identity early as well as was extremely aware of it, (Martin & Nakayama, 2013).

Kenya, where Wainaina was born, heavily influenced his identity. A further application of this could be the LGBT population in the United States and well as other parts of the world. The power of religion in legislative bodies can impact the laws for LGBT citizens, like in parts of Africa or the Middle East.  Even in the United States, known for its fundamental freedoms, there is still discrimination and prejudices towards the LGBT community.  This would greatly affect the stages of minority identity development and their avowal.  It is clear that different countries and their lawmaking bodies are influenced by factors that ultimately can shape the identity of their citizens. Further, it is important to acknowledge that when looking at human rights issues from one's own country to around the world.

Amnesty/ILGA, BBC 2014

References

Gay rights in Africa [map]. (2014). Retrieved from  http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/70975000/gif/_70975053_gay_africa_464map.gif

Kulish, N. (2014, January 24).  Writer Tells Africa What He Couldn’t Tell

‘Mum.’ The New York Times.  Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/25/world/africa/as-africa-debates-gay-rights-writer-comes-out.html?_r=0

Martin, J.N., & Nakayama, T.K. (2013). Intercultural Communication in Contexts (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Quinn, A.  (2014, January22).  Book News: Kenyan Writer Comes Out In Defiance Of Anti-Gay Laws. NPR. Retrieved from Book News: Kenyan Writer Comes Out In Defiance Of Anti-Gay Laws