Multicultural Agents and Perspectives by María José Ruiz Ibarra

Which parts of your identity do you think are chosen by you, and which are shaped by society? Why?

a01711131_ — 2025-08-14 13:27:12 UTC

An individual can choose many factors to form their identity, but many others are shaped by society and can't be chosen. In my case, some factors that are a crucial part of my identity but I didn't get the chance to select are my nationality (I'm Mexican), my native language (Spanish), and the way I was raised. For example, my values and morals come from my parents, who have instilled them in me since I was born, and that shapes the way I think and act, as well as what I think is right and what is not. However, my attitude toward certain situations and the way I react are also linked to my personality, which I've developed over time. For example, I'm a sociable, extroverted, confident, determined, and artistic person because that's how I choose to be, and that's how I'm going to act. Also, I get to choose my interests, hobbies, my style and expression because they’re tied to what gives me enjoyment or comfort.

Think of a conflict or issue you know about. How do different factors (ethniciyt, religion, class, etc.) interact in that situation?

a01711131_ — 2025-08-26 05:20:29 UTC

In Mexico, the problem of drug trafficking and corruption is very serious. People from lower social classes sometimes feel they have no choice but to get involved with drugs because there aren’t many chances for a better life. Corruption in the government and police makes the situation worse, because it breaks trust and allows bad people to take control. Identity factors like where someone comes from, their family background, or their community values shape how they face this problem and what choices they make. This influence our point of view of whats's right and wrong, our hopes, and as a consequence, the actions that can both help or create more problems in the society. Additionally, factors like education level and even gender can influence a person's experience with this issue, as some groups face more risks, are more likely to be victims, or have fewer opportunities. For me, understanding my own identity means knowing my values clearly and choosing to stand for honesty and fairness, even when it’s hard.

How important do you think theory is for creating social change?

a01711131_ — 2025-10-06 19:17:34 UTC

Theory is very important for creating social change because it helps us understand the world and the different ways people live and think. When we study ideas and knowledge, like the work of Jose Carlos Mariátegui, we learn about how culture and power affect who we are as individuals and groups. Mariátegui, whose biography I studied in class, was a key thinker who used his political ideas to fight for social change in Peru by showing how culture shapes identity and how power controls society. This helps activists make strong arguments because they know all sides of a problem. Without deep knowledge, it is hard to make changes that really help people and society. By studying his ideas, and based on the other presentations, I realized that to be a good activist and fight for what is fair, we need more than just the desire for change. We need a deep understanding of all perspectives and facts behind social issues. Theory gives us that understanding and helps build better arguments.

What message do you think this U2 song is trying to share about culture, identity, or human experience? Why do you think it matters?

a01711131_ — 2025-10-22 05:20:57 UTC

The song "Sunday Bloody Sunday" by U2 talks about the pain and violence caused by the Bloody Sunday massacre in Northern Ireland on January 30, 1972. During this event, British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civilians protesting for civil rights, killing 14 of them. The song highlights how innocent people were hurt because of conflicts between two groups.

The lyrics say, "Broken bottles under children’s feet, bodies strewn across the dead-end street," showing the real suffering caused by violence. The message is that violence hurts everyone, no matter their culture or identity, and it calls for peace and unity.

This message is important for multicultural societies because it reminds us that fighting based on culture or identity only causes pain, while understanding and respect can bring people together. If we fight because of our differences, no one wins.

"Sunday Bloody Sunday" is a powerful call to stop violence and build unity among different cultures and identities, which is important for any society that values peace and human rights, to conscientize everyone about these horrible past events, and avoid them in the future.

Why do you think some social or political problems become more visible when artists represent them, while others remain invisible?

a01711131_ — 2025-11-19 01:05:57 UTC

Artists have a special way of showing social or political problems because they use stories, images, and feelings that catch people’s attention and make them think. I personally think that a work of art is something that transmits a feeling that many times words can't express by themselves, and it can be both positive or negative. Sometimes problems become more visible because artists make them personal and real, like how music or paintings can show the pain of poverty or injustice in a way that news reports might not. Art focuses on feelings to impact on more people. For example, the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo made her struggles and the struggles of women more visible through her powerful paintings, helping people understand pain and identity better. But other problems stay invisible because they are complex, hidden, or not easy to express visually, so they don’t reach many people’s hearts or minds in the same way. Also, not all the conflicts are expressed by works of art, they are not that popular, or they can even be silenced by the government, and in these cases is more difficult for people to empathize with the main social or political conflict.