A Mutable Self

Haley Wiedenman English ci Brit Ashley 4/8/11 When translation A Mutable self, by Mary Catherine Bateson, I am forced to analyze why I am myself. For s everal years I curb stubbornly sweard that I w be become myself by myself al iodin and put one across not been influenced by the things and pot pretty me. I didnt want to take in that I am in circumstance tightly connected to people of my medieval and they hold back influenced who I am greatly. Bateson makes it iron out in her writing that no one fetus, child, or adult- is indep peculiarityent of the actions and imaginations of otherwises. Though we nurse the power to alter ourselves, the fact that we do so because the influence of others proves that we can never break the connection of the people who we have been subject to, making us somewhat dependent of those almost us. Bateson brings this subject to our forethought to spread an awareness of how we come to be under the influence of others. Not barely does she inform us of the manners of ourselves exactly also she enlightens the ref of cultures around the globe.Taking in this information has the potential to change readers location and allow them to have a greater understanding of the world around them. In opening this door Bateson is creating a continuous awareness that will aid the reader in their daily life though the understanding of themselves and others. On the contrary to hot belief, Bateson has faith that the self is learned, yet ironically it a great deal becomes a barrier to learning. The way that I perceive this is that we often are so stubborn with the views of ourselves that we deny apiece opposing views given by others, which in turn blocks our access to further knowledge. once we have an idea in our level about a certain thing, it is often difficult to persuade us otherwise. In the works of Bateson she writes a personal point about her visit to an Iranian kindergarten. In her visit the t each(prenominal)er allow ed a close for drawing sentence to the students. At the end of there time the teacher went to each student, collected the drawing pencils, and threw away each of there creations.I come from a syndicate where my first piece of art I brought inhabitation remains framed in our living room. So, to me, it is highly sad that these children are not rewarded for their creative efforts. Instead of a high five and gold sorcerer on our artwork, these small children just celebrate as their masterpieces fall into a trashcan. The balance between Iranian culture and my possess is huge. Though I am current they have there own motives for their ways, I personally am glad I grew up in a home where I was praised for my hard work.Even though I enjoyed reading this essay, I do believe there are a few things Bateson could have done my successfully. Her writing is a bit repetitive, which I suppose is an stiff way to make your point clear, til now it can also make the reading a bit dull from tim e to time. Another item she could have improve on is her connection to the reader. Many of her examples where of other cultures, and while this may be extremely interesting, it does not relate to the most the people who will be reading this essay.It could have been more triumphant if Bateson would have some(prenominal) related to the common reader and added other cultural insight. Connections between the Essays 1- The self is ever changing pg. 252 What is the Self? & pg. 272 A uncertain Self 2- People and culture around you shape the self pg. 261 What is the Self? & pg. 269-270 A Mutable Self Questions 1- Can we disjunction ourselves from our family/community to become independent and stripping our true selves? (w/ out outside influence) 2- What final result does our childhood have on our lives?