A Mutable Self

Haley Wiedenman slope 101 Brit Ashley 4/8/11 When variation A Mutable self, by Mary Catherine Bateson, I am agonistic to analyze why I am myself. For several years I have stubbornly believed that I have develop myself by myself merely and have not been work outd by the things and people around me. I didnt want to admit that I am in fact tightly connected to people of my past and they have influenced who I am greatly. Bateson makes it top in her writing that no one fetus, child, or adult- is independent of the actions and imaginations of other(a)s. though we have 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 rout to, making us somewhat dependent of those around us. Bateson brings this subject to our perplexity to spread an aw areness of how we come to be under the influence of others. non only does she inform us of the ways of ourselves but too she enlighten s the ratifier of cultures around the globe.Taking in this information has the potential to change readers view and grant them to have a greater understanding of the world around them. In opening this door Bateson is creating a continual awareness that will embolden the reader in their daily life though the understanding of themselves and others. On the contrary to popular belief, Bateson has faith that the self is learned, yet ironically it often fourth dimensions 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 any opposing views given by others, which in turn blocks our access to further knowledge. Once we have an thought process in our head about a certain thing, it is often demanding to persuade us otherwise. In the works of Bateson she writes a personal myth about her visit to an Iranian kindergarten. In her visit the teacher allowed a period for drawing time to the students. At the end of in that location time the teacher went to each student, collected the drawing pencils, and threw away each of there creations.I come from a home where my first piece of art I brought home remains framed in our living room. So, to me, it is extremely doleful that these children are not rewarded for their creative efforts. Instead of a high pentad and gold star on our artwork, these small children just watch as their masterpieces fall into a trashcan. The difference between Iranian culture and my take is huge. Though I am sure they have there profess 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 a couple of(prenominal) things Bateson could have done my successfully. Her writing is a bit repetitive, which I count is an effective way to make your point clear, however it can also make the reading a bit dull from time to time. other item she could have imp roved 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 well-nigh the people who will be reading this essay.It could have been more gleeful if Bateson would have both related to the common reader and added other heathenish insight. Connections between the Essays 1- The self is ever changing pg. 252 What is the Self? & pg. 272 A changeful 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 disconnect ourselves from our family/community to become independent and find our true selves? (w/ out outside influence) 2- What effect does our childishness have on our lives?