This paper was for my diversity class and explains my identity and the privileges I experience because of my identity.

1. Running head: IDENTITY 1
Identity Paper
Karlie Harding
Diversity in Human Development

2. IDENTITY 2
Identities are a way of separating but also joining people together. People can share the
same racial identity while having completely different socioeconomic status identities. This is a
factor that makes the world diverse yet similar at the same time. The identities that make up a
significant part of my identity include being white. Being white I have never experienced being
racially profiled whereas some of my colored friends have. I also feel privileged in my racial
identity when it comes to getting pulled over by a cop. I do not have to be extra cautious or
fearful whereas African Americans must be extra careful because of bad past experiences
between African Americans and cops in these last couple of decades. Another significant part of
my identity includes being a female. Being a female in today’s society can be hard and I have
been personally affected by this identity. When I was working at a job this summer, I wanted to
help fishermen bring fish onto the docks, but I was told I could not because they were only
looking for males for this job. I also identify as a heterosexual person. I believe I have been
given certain privileges for identifying as heterosexual. I for one am allowed to marry whoever I
want, while homosexuals struggle to this day with same-sex marriage still being illegal in some
states. Middle-class is also the socioeconomic status that I identify with. I identify with this
because of my parent’s income. I have experienced privilege with this identity. This past summer
I was able to go spend the whole summer at the beach which cost a little over $1000. If my
parents had a low socioeconomic status, I would not have had the privilege to go to the beach
and stay for two whole months.
Identities I also identify with include country, athletic, and Christian I consider myself as
having a country identity because of the location and activities I grew up participating in. In my
small town, my uncle had a farm and therefore, we grew up riding four-wheelers, hunting, and
fishing. This location I grew up in allowed me to inherit this identity. I also identify as an athlete.

3. IDENTITY 3
I consider myself an athlete because of the multiple sports I played throughout my life. I played
track and soccer for one year in middle school and then softball and basketball for many years
too. I experienced privilege when I was participating in these sports by having extra help
provided for me for free every day. Christianity is a big part of my identity. I did not grow up in
the church as much as I wish I could have, but I have grown to learn more and more about what
it means to be a Christian. This is what has led me to identify as a Christian and pursue this
religion. I have not experienced any privilege because of this identity but have not been
oppressed for being one either.
This paper allowed me to think of the many different ways I am privileged in this life I
was given. I was given the ability to do so much with my privilege and have been hindered very
little. I did make new discoveries when it came to my multi-dimensional self. I was able to look
at my life and find new ways to describe my identity instead of just a white female. I discovered
that I identify as being a country girl because of the location and the resources I had growing up.
While writing this paper I had to step back and look at myself and discover the identities that
make me different than some people. I believe that race and gender are the two that really stand
out when discussing one’s identity, but this assignment allowed me to expand my thinking of
identities.