Identity Formation and Oppression of Muslim Culture

Identity formation is an intricate notion. It usually is affected in 4 different ways in our society. The micro, meso, macro, and global levels of social interaction all play a key role in identity formation. These levels are always present, however, we may think we define ourselves by our own value or we believe that society plays a role in our own identity formation. We must look at the everyday groups we fall into such as male, female, heterosexual, bisexual, homosexual, freshman, sophomore, senior student, working class, upper middle class, white, black, Christian, Muslim, young, old, foreign, American or many others. These levels closely intertwine to form identity, at the conscious or sub-conscious level, with or without our agreement. I agree with Okazawa-Rey and Gwyn Kirk (2006) in their book titled Women 's Lives Multicultural Perspective when they write that, "each of these levels involves the standards—beliefs, behaviors, customs, and worldwide—that people value" (pg.62). Identity can be most firmly shaped by us at the micro level. In this level we have the power play a significant role in the way we identify with our society. According to Okazawa-Rey and Kirk (2006) the micro level of analysis is defined as the links between people and issues as seen from a personal; or individual standpoint (pg. 62). The individual has the choice to make changes to the way he or she is seen and in what groups of society he/she falls into. We configure our priorities according to our own concern, not allowing social norms to affect this level of identity formation. Okazawa-Rey and Kirk (2006) gives a few examples such as a women attending a counseling session after being raped, losing a parent, and or a professional woman being passed up for promotions that were given to less qualified male employees, they state "these experiences shape each person 's ongoing formation of self, whether or not the process is conscious, deliberate, reflective, or even

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