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Factor: Nationality

Point: Being American shapes one’s identity, as it influences the values that one stands for.

Example: Majority of Americans believe in, and espouse the value of individualism, which means that Americans consider themselves to be separate individuals who are in control of their own lives, rather than members of a close-knit group.

Explanation & Link: As a result, most Americans value the freedom of expression in thought, word and deed. It can be argued that most Americans feel free to express their opinions or attitudes towards an issue, and similarly, extend the same respect to others. As a result, there is a greater degree of tolerance of diverse views, which arguably promotes a more tolerant or accepting society.

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Factor: Religion

Point: being a christian influences the viewpoint that one sees things in

Example: Majority of Christians do not support LGBTQ due to the believe that relationships should strictly be a woman and a man, rather than two people of the same sex. LGBTQ is frowned upon in society due to the believe that God discourages it.

Explanation & Link: As a result, most Christians do not support the community and sometimes this might cause tension and conflict in the society that we know of nowadays. There is also a higher chance of broken bonds between family members due to the family's religious beliefs. Thus, feel like religion might be an issues that the society faces.

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Factor: Religion

Point: Being a Christian shapes one's identity, as it influences the way one reacts to situations.

Example: Christians are taught to practice the values of Godliness such as kindness, forgiveness and peace etc. For example, when they are wronged or hurt by others, they would practice the value of forgiveness and not hold grudges and be merciful towards them.

Explanation and Link: As a result, this means that when majority of Christians are faced with difficult situations, they would try not to act hastily but instead consider if their actions embody Christian values. They do not practice worldly values but instead Godliness - forgiveness instead of revenge, self-control instead of self-indulgence and humility instead of status. In conclusion, as a result, the way they respond to situations would promote peace and goodwill amongst people and would remain composed even through challenging times.

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Factor: Race and Ethnicity

Point: Being Chinese and asian shapes one's identity as it influences our perspective and the way we do things.

Example: In asian countries like Singapore, most asians, more specifically chinese tend to use 'caning' as a method of punishment on their children. However, in comparison with the caucasians,  who tend to punish their children by just grounding or scolding them instead, this method may be  completely foreign to them.

Explanation & Link: As a result, perhaps when the caucasians get to know about this method of discipline, they may form a certain impression or opinion of these asian parents, thinking that this is a very horrible way of disciplining a child, which may result in a racial stereotype such as "Asian parents are very strict." This clearly shows how our race and ethnicity affects the way we view things and the way we do things which ultimately shapes our identity.

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Factor: Socio-Economic Status

Point: Having a low socio-economic status influences someone's identity, as it influences others' perceptions.

Example: Low income families have been discriminated against in Singapore by higher income families, which means that higher income families view lower income families differently, thus affecting their perception of lower income families because of their class.

Explanation & Link: As a result, higher income families prefer to be with their own class, thus affecting their interaction with others. This also creates a class divide, which can affect the sense of unity in Singapore. Although programmes can be organised to help the people from the high, middle and low class to communicate with each together, it may or may not be possible to totally change the perspective of one class towards another. Thus, socio-economic status is an issue that our world faces.

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Factor: Race and Ethnicity
Point:Different races and ethnicity  shapes individuals unique identity as it affects one’s tradition and customs.

Example: For example, Hari Raya is a Muslim festival that recognises the demonstration of self-restraint during Ramadan, and symbolises purification , renewal and a time of forgiveness.However, this festival is mostly celebrated by Malays and other races tend to not celebrate it due to their own individual customs.

Explanation & Link: Thus,these traditions or customs will cultivate their values and will make different races become unique in their ethnic groups. Therefore,due to the different cultural practices, traditions and beliefs , there will be diversity of individuals.

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Factor: Race and Ethnicity

Point: Being Chinese shapes one's identity, as it influences the degree of control one has over one's decisions in life.

Example: Unlike most Americans, who embrace individualism and control over one's life, the Chinese place emphasis on the value of filial piety, which includes respecting elders and placing their thoughts, decisions and opinions before one's own.

Explanation & Link: Thus raised with this central belief in mind, Chinese children are expected to be obedient to their parents for their whole lives, giving them control over their daily lives and even major decisions such as chosing a school or career. As such, the embodiment of filal piety most often results in Chinese youths often not feeling free to express their innermost opinions, especially in front of elders who may think otherwise.

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Factor : Race and Ethnicity
Point:
Example:
Explanation and Link:

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Factor: Race & Ethnicity

Point: Everyone has their own race and ethnicity. Each race and ethnicity has its own unique triats which shapes each indivdual.

Example: Each race has its own unique way of celebrating their festivals. The main festivals that can be found in SIngapore includes Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Deepavali. People of different races would celebrate their own festivals respectively. These festivals are celebrated differently as the customs are different from each other. These specific set of custom is unique to each festival that is celebrated. It is not common to see people of other races celebrating other festivals due to their own individual customs.

Explanation & Link: As everyone celebrates their cultures differently, it preserves the roots and the identity of each race. With this, there will be a large diversity of different races, following different customs would make each race stand out in their own unique way from the rest. Even though some festivals have similar customs, they are still unique. By following customs and the upbringing in the family, one can be groom to posess certain distinct traits which would make them stand out from the other races.

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Factor: Race and Ethnicity
Point: Different races and ethnicity shapes individuals unique identity as it affects the person’s language used to communicate with others.

Example: For instance, the people living in Kyrgyzstan developed their own language, Kyrgyz as a new community was formed in that region. The language has influences from many places, mainly from the neighbouring countries but it also contains some asian influence. Although initially people of all races and ethnicity settled down there, but eventually as the people started forming their own community, they formed a common language for everyone living there to understand each other. The modern Kyrgyz language did not have a standard written form until 1923, at which time an Arabic alphabet was introduced.

Explanation: The people of Kyrgyzstan have a very unique way of communication which is mainly associated only with them, very unlike English which is the official language in multiple countries. The Kyrgyz language can be viewed like a dialect, a particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group. Although Kyrgyz language may sound similar to the Uzbek language and have Afghanistan, Xinjiang (China), Tajikistan, Russia and Pakistan origin but ultimately it is a language for the people of Kyrgyzstan.

Link: Hence, in every community, they have their unique languages and way of speaking which forms their identity.

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Factor: Socio-Economic Status

Point: Being from different socio-economic classes shapes one's identity as it affects the way one behaves.

Example: People who have a lower socio-economic status speak and dress very differently from people who have a higher socio-economic status.

Explanation and link: These differences in behaviour therefore result in different labels being put on the people with different socio-economic statuses. As such, because of these pre-conceived mindsets people have of people with different socio-economic statuses, it influences the way people in the different socio-economic classes interact with one another.

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Factor:  Socioeconomic status

Point: Socio-economic status shapes one’s identity, as it influences his/her everyday practices and life experiences.

Example: Individuals of different socioeconomic status have different levels of education, income, wealth and types of jobs. For example, an individual from a higher socioeconomic status will probably work as a professional in a job which offers higher pay and requires a high level of skills and knowledge. He/She will also probably have at least tertiary education and earn a higher level of income. However, an individual from a lower socioeconomic status will probably earn less and also have a lower level of education.

Explanation & Link: Socioeconomic status shapes one's identity as it affects one's experiences in life and exposure such as the circle of friends that one interacts with. Thus, one’s identity can be formed by socio-economic status. One who is from a higher socioeconomic status will interact with people of similar socioeconomic status and experience a lifestyle with greater luxuries. Activities such as polo, golf, fine dining and travelling to distant destinations for vacations are usually activities carried out by people with a higher socioeconomic status. This allows them to develop greater global exposure which may make them view themselves as global citizens rather than solely a citizen of a country. Meanwhile, due to the limited exposure and interaction to the upper socioeconomic ranks of society, individuals from lower socioeconomic status are less well-connected and mobile, causing their identity to be more based on their experiences in their immediate surroundings. People from different socioeconomic status develop very different ideas of their identity and their places in the world.

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Factor: Nationality

Point:  Being Singaporean shapes one's identity, as it gives one a sense of shared identity.

Example:  Singaporeans, no matter what race, religion or ethnicity, share the same common traditions and practices such as speaking 'Singlish'  and sharing the same cuisine: a mix of various foods from different races. Most Singaporeans also use the common language, English, and many Singaporeans are also bilingual, meaning they speak two languages.

Explanation and Link:  As a result, Singaporeans are linked together by a sense of shared identity as they carry out the same traditions and practices throughout the country. They are more familiar with and more comfortable in the environment they are in because of the similarities they share. Singaporeans will be more willing to open up to each other because of their shared national identity, created by the practices they carry out with one another. Therefore, because of their nationality, Singaporeans have the same traditions and practices which will influence the way they interact with one another.

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Factor: Nationality

Point: Being Japanese shapes one's identity, as it impacts how they carry themselves.

Example: Japanese are people that take pride in all they do. They are also nurtured since young, to be considerate of others. A clear example would be how there are very little public rubbish bin as they believe that people are responsible for any trash that they "produced". People then carry their trash home, and further take the effort to separate it into recyclables and non-recyclables. Only then, in every 2 or 3 days, there will be a public waste disposal company that collects all the trash. This small little gesture shows how consideration for others play a big part in their society, shaping Japanese to stand out from other nationalities.

Explanation & Link:
As a result, when people of other nationalities view the Japanese ways of doing things, many would describe them as perfectionist or anal about the tiniest things. However, to the Japanese these actions are ordinary and meant to be done, as they have a strong culture of consideration for others, and taking responsibility for their actions.

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Factor: Religion

point: religion can affect one's perceived acceptable social norms.

example: in saudi arabia, the legal system of Saudi Arabia is based on Sharia, Islamic law. With a religion that heavily emphasises on the need for females to have a male guardian, it creates the illusion that "females are lesser than males" since they cannot do many things without the permission of their male guardians, which can sometimes be their own sons. Until recently, it was against social norms for women in Saudi Arabia to drive. They are still not allowed to get married without their guardian's permission.

explanation & link: As a result, many things that are common in our culture may be considered strange, or intolerable in not just Saudi Arabia, but many parts of the world. This shows that religion plays a big part in how people behave, and that religion can change what may be socially acceptable in one's point of view.

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Factor: Socio-Economic Status

Point: One's socioeconomic status can affect his or her educational outcomes and opportunities.

Example: Even before official schooling starts, children of different socioeconomic statuses could already have gaps in their literacy. People of higher socioeconomic statuses can afford to provide tuition for their children, while those of lower socioeconomic statuses may not be able to afford extra classes.

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Factor: Nationality

Point:  Being religious shape's a person's identity by providing a social control to enforce certain morals.

Example: Christians follow the Bible, which is God's word, to lead their lives. The Bible, which teaches Christians what acts, attitudes and traits receive God's approval, is how many Christians base their morals.

Explanation & Link: It is believed that if followed, it will bring glory to God and grant them blessings. They understand that doing any harm against God's word will bring harmful consequences, which influences believers to do good. Believers also abide by the Ten Commandments, which is a set of laws relating to biblical ethics and worship. If followed, Christians believe that they can get through the doors of heaven, which motivates them to be righteous and morally. Thus, religion allows people to enforce certain morals.

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Factor: Race and ethnicity
Point: Being Chinese shapes one's identity as it influences one's culture and practices.

Example: Many Chinese believe very strongly in filial piety. Despite the fact that other races also demonstrate it, most chinese tend to place an emphasis on it in households as one grows up. From a young age, many chinese are taught to prioritise respect for elders and parents as part of their culture, rather than focusing on individualism and self. During chinese new year, a vast majority of chinese are expected to visit relatives houses and pay their respect to their elders.

explanation and link: as a result, many chinese value respect and discipline, feeling responsible for their parent's care as much as their own, arguably resulting in them prioritising being polite and courteous to people other than their parents, which promotes a more respectful and tolerant society.

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Factor: Race & Ethnicity

Point: Being Chinese shapes one's identity through their lifestyle of having certain customs and superstitions.

Example: When eating, Chinese typically use chopsticks which are never placed stuck upright in a rice bowl. It is believed that a pair of chopsticks positioned that way resemble a pair of joss sticks which are used by family members to burn incense for relatives who passed away. Another practice of the Chinese is the tea ceremony during weddings. The bride and groom kneel in front of their parents and offer a cup of tea as a sign of respect and gratitude for raising them. The groom will serve the bride's parents tea and vice versa which is a symbol of the union of the two families through the marriage.

Explanation & Link: These customs and beliefs are special to the Chinese as they are part of their lives. Although the chopstick superstition is not as serious enforced as it used to be in the past, it becomes an unconscious action during meal times to avoid sticking one's chopsticks in their rice. Chinese traditions are integrated into the way they do certain things such as eat, behave or even give gifts. In conclusion, practices unique to their race shape the identity of the Chinese through how they live their lives.

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Factor: Nationality
Point: Being italian shapes one's identity, as it influences how they act towards others.

Example: For example, in Italian culture, people stand much closer to one another when conversation. Italians, both men and women, may even touch each other.

Explanation & Link: The closeness is nothing more than the way the people are.  It’s a sort of intimacy, but without any other connotations. The closeness is a sign of the warmth for which Italian culture is known. They are used to be very close in conversations since young and their only intention is to be friendly with others and show warmth. However, this is not usual in other countries as people appreciate their own personal space and might find the closeness somewhat disconcerting. Therefore, being italian influences their behaviour when with others.

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Factor:
Nationality

Point:
Being Singaporean shapes our identity as it influences our speech

Example:
In Singapore, Singaporeans have a language called singlish comprising of words such as "lah", "leh" and "chope". words like "blur" and "sabo" have even made it into the hallowed Oxford English Dictionary. People of Other nationalities may not understand this language but Singaporeans definitely do.

Explanation and Link:
When you speak to a friend, as a Singaporean, you may subconsciously throw in singlish words in he middle of your sentence and it truly bonds us together as this is our own language that no other country has or understands except ourselves. This language bonds us and thus, shapes our identity.

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Factor: Religion

Point: Religion influences the way one reacts to difficult circumstances

Example: When a family member falls extremely ill, some extreme Taoists believe that the sickness is caused by demons torturing a soul, or parasitic worms inside the body. some extreme Christians believe that the power of prayer is a better treatment for the sickness than medicine.

Explanation & Link: People who are not as religious might think that these people are harming their families and themselves, however towards the religious person, they are doing what is best for their families and them. Conflict can be caused between friends and family, but the religious people truly believe in their methods. For some situations, their values might be good, but for others not as much. Sharing their perspectives might increase tolerance between religions, but people would usually try to explain to the religious person how and why they are wrong. This can cause huge arguments that can lead to riots, especially if a minister is religious. Therefore, religion is a complicated factor that plays into peace within a community, especially in situations which might cause suffering.

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Factor: Socio-Economic Status

Point: Socio-Economic Status is a defining factor in shaping one's identity and perceptions.

Example: Individuals of different socioeconomic statuses often have differing experiences with others from higher/lower status groups. For example, activities such as golf, fine dining and travelling to exotic vacations; are usually activities carried out by people of higher socioeconomic status.These people  have access to a higher quality of education, and face better job prospects as opposed to those from lower socioeconomic status groups.

Explanation+Link:
The different qualities of life an individual is accustomed to, heavily influences the decisions and identities of an individual. One who is from a higher socioeconomic status is often able to pursue a higher quality of education, as they have the financial means to support themselves whilst studying. Better degrees enables them the opportunity to attain higher-paying jobs, such as being a doctor or lawyer. These high incomes allows them to lead a lavish lifestyle, helping them to experience new things and meet people from similar backgrounds of wealth. Many of them are able to live without the constant worry of financial problems, thus shaping the stereotypes between them and people of lower economic statues; who often work lower paying jobs. The wage gap created between these two groups may create misunderstandings amongst individuals from different statuses. Thus, socioeconomic status is an issue the world faces.

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Factor: Religion
Point:
Example:
Explanation & Link:

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Factor: Religion
Point:  Being a Christian affects the way you treat others.
Example: Christians are taught to show their love for God in their service to others. For example, we are taught to treat one another as ourselves. Which means to treat others the way you want to be treated. If we were wronged by someone, we should treat with kindness and forgive them.
Explanation & Link: As a result, many Christians treat others with respect and kindness as that is how they would want to be treated. In conclusion the way Christians carry out their daily lives and the way they handle difficult encounters depends on how they would want to be treated in that situation.

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Factor: Nationality

Point: Being Chinese shapes one's identity as it influences one's beliefs.

Example: For example, for the Chinese, the three main colors considered lucky in people's daily lives as well as on special occasions are red, yellow, and green.

Explanation and Link: Red is famously popular in relation to anything Chinese and is widely used during festivals and important events like weddings.Yellow — corresponding to earth — symbolizes royalty and is reserved for the emperor. Green is the color of wealth, fertility, regeneration, hope, harmony and growth. Green also represents pure and clean. Hence, due to the symbolism of these colours, they are considered lucky by the Chinese. However, in other parts of the world, these colours are not considered auspicious. Therefore, being Chinese influences your beliefs.

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Factor: Nationality

Point: Being Singaporean shapes our identity as it influences our speech

Example: Singaporeans speak singlish in their day to day lives, for example "Lah" "Lor" "Kaypo"

Explanation and Link: A huge part of Singaporean identity  is our own language. Singlish is a truly peculiar ‘language’. We use Singlish when we interact with one another and has become something that we have incorporated in our normal speech. Singlish is unique to only Singapore and this contributes to our identity as a citizen in Singapore.