Hybrid Identities, Authentic Selves

This course explores two related concepts?hybridity and authenticity?that underlie many present-day struggles over cultural identity, representation, and appropriation. The former calls attention to the multiplicity of collective identities that vie for recognition within a person, while the latter emphasizes what is unique or essential to the self. While the hybrid is often charged with being inauthentic or fake, claims to authenticity are frequently criticized for being reactionary or exclusive. How do we choose among multiple and often competing identities? Why do we feel the need to claim an authentic self? What are the pressures on us to do so and what purpose do such claims serve? We will explore these questions through readings in psychology, anthropology, and literature about different experiences of hybridity?mixed race, immigrant, transnational adoption, transgendered, religious?as well as through students? independent research projects. MCP, PRJ, REA, WRI