One identity kit that I do no belong to is the sorority/greek world.
Now, don't get me wrong. A lot of my good friends are a part of sororities and this video is a bit of an exaggeration, but regardless this is definitely not my type of lifestyle. Not even close. Girls and guys who are involved with greek life can be easily defined and pointed out by the characteristics that Gee mentions. Gee says that this identity kit isn't just about the language a person or group uses, but that they are "forms of life which integrate words, actions, values, beliefs, attitudes, and social identities as well as gestures, glances, body positions, and clothes." These things such as clothes with printed greek letters on them define who is in and who is out. Only the elite, chose ones (who decided to rush), are a part of this Discourse. There are expectations that are to be held up by the pledge classes and a set of standards and rules that they have to meet (grades, philanthropy work, and dues).
I think that the "Shit ____ People Say" videos are fascinating and incredibly useful for discussing Gee's conception of Discourse and Discursive "identity kits"; in many ways they make visible (through exaggeration and magnification) some of the components of the identity kit. The question, of course, is how are these components of the identity kit continually maintained? Also, what do these features of identity kits represent? How do they signify attitudes or beliefs?
ReplyDeleteLove that you incorporated this video into your blog! I completely understand when you say the sorority lifestyle isn't for you. I have many friends who are part of a sorority as well, but that type of community just isn't for me. I tried the sorority life once, but just didn't feel set on what I was doing. Great girls, just not the life for me.
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