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.  

Example: Thai society is very hierarchal as they address people differently by their status and rank.They do different kinds of bows to different people according to their age and position. They also use different words to address people from different ranks.

Explanation and Link: As a result, most Thai people respect their elders. By doing the Thai greeting, they can also show an understanding and is also a way for them to politely apologize. Thus, there is a greater degree of tolerance in Thailand as everyone respect one another and this creates a more tolerant and accepting society.

 

Point : One's race and ethnicity shapes one's identity as it influences the values that one stands for.

Example: Most Chinese value filial piety due to the households they grow up in or the schools they attend. They believe that one should respect and trust their elders and should not defy them. An example would be in more traditional Chinese families, children asking and waiting for their elders to eat first before starting to eat.

Explanation & Link: This causes most Chinese to be less defiant of their elders and to be more filial, by trying to look after their parents as well as raising their children to show the same amount of respect them. As a result, they may be less tolerant when someone younger treats them informally or disagrees with them and expect to be treated with the same amount of respect that they give their elders. Thus interactions are influenced by the different values cultivated in the households of different races and ethnicities .

Elaboration & Link: Consequently, most Malays tend to converse with each other in bahasa melayu and share a common bond through speaking in a traditional language native to the Malay race. Similarly, other races may do the same and speak in their own mother tongue unique to their specific ethnic group. As a result, the distinct languages people associate with different races creates a racially diverse society where people adopt their race with the language they decide to use.

Explanation and link:  Similarly, other races have their own traditions and cultures on their festival, even different beliefs. These tradition gradually cultivate their values to make every race become unique in the specific ethnic group. Therefore, according to their different traditions due to the different races and ethnicity, they may diverse the society because of different values.

Point: one’s religion shapes one’s identity as it influences their values.

Example: For example, many religions have taken a strong stand against abortion. They believe that the issue encompasses profound issues of life and death, making it a major religious concern.

Explanation & Link: This causes people to think twice before they make their decision. They have learn what is supposedly morally right and what is not. They decide against certain important life decisions because of their religion. Hence, there is more degree of tolerance of diversity and people change their outlooks on certain matters to respect those who believe strongly in their religion’s teachings. 

Being a Singaporean shapes one’s identity, as its multicultural society leads to Singaporeans generally embracing all races and cultures and identifying themselves as one with people of another race.

Example: 

Because the country’s citizens are multiracial, the use of Singlish, a unique language consisting of the use of different languages spoken by different races such as English, Chinese, Malay is spoken daily by all Singaporeans. This language represents the diversity present in the country, eventually becoming a national identity that is special to only Singaporeans.  

Explanation & Link: Singaporeans are binded by Singlish because it is commonly utilised in their everyday lives, hence making it a common characteristic that they can relate with.

As a result, a Singaporean can be easily identified in any country by the familiar recognition of Singlish being spoken by the person. Hence, because this language is a prominent way of identifying/distincting a Singaporean from citizens of other countries, one’s identity can definitely be shaped by one’s nationality.

Point: One's socio-economic status shapes one's identity as it affects one's lifestlye.

Example: For example, activities such as polo of golf, fine dining and travelling to distant destinations for vacations are usually carried out by people with higher socio-economic status.While activities such as swimming, soccer and basketball are enjoyed by individuals across all socio-economic groups as street soccer and basketball courts are easily accessible to the public.

Explanation & Link: As a result, one's socio-economic status is usually determined by objective indicators which can be constructed from single or multiple measures, mainly income, education, occupation, and wealth ownership. Therefore, the socio-economic status of an individual shapes one's life experience as it affects the choice of housing, food, entertainment and activities. This in turn can influence the circle of friends that one interacts with. In this way, one's identity can be shaped by one's socio-economic status.

Point: One’s socio-economic statue shapes one’s identity as it affects one’s life. 

Example: For example, people with high socio-economic status are able to enjoy activities such as playing golf, and going for vacations. However, people with low socio-economic status can only afford the money to pursuit for the basic need for living thus they are not able to spend lots of money on activities such as going aboard for vacation. 

Explanation &link: This usually leads to the difference of life between the high socio-economic status group and low socio-economic status group. As people with high socio-economic status can spend more time and money on pursuing their quality of life instead of only focusing on the basic living condition. Therefore, people with high socio-economic status are able to take part in various activities to broaden their horizons and get to know different people. Hence they take a longer view than other people with low socio-economic status. Therefore, a person’s socio-economic statue makes his or her life differently and therefore shapes his or her identity. 

Point: One's religion shapes one's identity as it influences their values.

Example: For example, people who believe in buddhism are taught to do good works so as to remove suffering and "bad luck" and enter nirvana to escape reincarnation and suffering.

Explanation and Link: As a result, most buddhists will dedicate their time to doing good works such as working to end the suffering of others or put simply, helping others. By doing this everyday, this will change the way they interact with other people by being more thoughtful due to their lifestyle which was influenced by their own religion. 

Point : One's race and ethnicity shapes one's identity as people with different ethnic backgrounds grown up from respective environments thus formed different   ways of thinking and different views to this world.

Example: Usually, Chinese are more likely to be conservative and sensitive comparing to the people who have been immersed in western style educations and family environments. Most Chinese parents prefer to perfect and to take care of their children while western parents would like to let their children try something themselves and have less worries when their children are doing something on their own.

Explanation & Link: As people from different races and ethnicities, they are grown up in different template, thus making everyone unique. We should hold on our lengths and strengths, and always learn from other cultures and people with different racial background. That's why we are always supporting and seeking for cultural fusions.