Identities and exchanges: the pros and the cons

To begin with, everyone of us has their own identity. Indeed, identity allow to differentiate a person, without possible confusion. It’s a permanent and fundamental feature which makes the individuality or singularity of a person. Our identity is made up of: nationality, the place and the date of birth.

An exchange is an act of giving one thing and receiving another in return. But an exchange is not only material, it can also very well be spiritual or ideological.

What is the real issue regarding identity and exchanges ?

On the one hand we will present through three examples the pros and the cons of the identity concept and exchanges then on the other hand we will study of negative aspects.

Firstly I would like to give the upsides points on the gap year, « Voluntourism » and « Blackface ».

        Indeed « Gap year » may allow to learn a new language, to travel, therefore discover a new culture and to make new friends. But a gap year is also very important for studies because it adds value to the resume.

        Moreover, “voluntourism”, it gets closer to a gap year, it can allow to participate in charicaties associations which can heep  heart, while learning the local language and customs. For example, you may be part of volunteer projects such as  animal conservation or building homes.

        Finally, the concept of blackface is contrary to general opinion, not only negative. Because blackface allows to pay homage to a culture, to understand it and to modify their stereotypes.

Secondly, gap year, voluntourism and blackface have  downsides.

        To begin with, a gap year may be very difficult morally. Indeed the distance with one’s family can be difficult to overcome, it is possible to feel melancholy because of the homesickness but also of the language which remains a great diffuclt and involves a social barrier.

        Moreover, « volunteers » is a real problem when comes to money. Indeed, not knowing where the money is coming is a real concern, and the price of the trip is very, very important. Besides, these associations should hire local workers instead of hiring foreign workers        

Unfortunately, blackface of the XIXth century is used by several cultures to criticize the black inhabitants. This will lead to a wave of discrimination and racism.

We can conclude the diverse elements in the topic of “identities and exchanges” mean that there are several identities and types of exchanges to consider, as we have seen through the various texts we have studied.

        We can say that stereotypes are part of our society.

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