Identity is an important aspect of a person's life because it provides a means of self-definition and purpose. Many different facets make up a person's identity, such as race, gender, or religion. In Eve Sedgwick's "Queer and Now," she expands the concept of queer, showing how the word is multifaceted and has many elements, such as "biological sex," "partner sex assignment favorite” or “your favorite sexual acts”. Additionally, Sedgwick states that "silent assumptions" are often made about people's gender identity in terms of appearance, despite the plethora of evidence regarding a person's gender identity. This idea of ​​"silent presumptions" and various elements constituting part of a person's identity can be applied to different aspects of human identity, such as race or religion. These identities, like sexuality, are incongruous, meaning there are many elements to them. Additionally, the same word has different connotations to different people. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Race is a definitive aspect of a person's identity, but often "assumptions" are based on appearance alone. For example, a crude assumption might be to say that if a person is black, then they have a lower economic status. Clearly, this is a bold assumption, as “blackness” has as many facets as sexual identities, such as adherence to African culture. Additionally, there is often discrimination within a race, such as considering a light-skinned person as “less black.” Racial bias can demonstrate why it is important to understand the multiple elements of a person's racial identity, because how a person identifies may differ from how they look. Additionally, assumptions are often made regarding a person's religion. For example, the September 11 terrorist attacks sparked negative sentiment toward Muslims, equating almost all Muslims with terrorists. However, this presumptuous association of these two words goes against Sedgwick's idea that identities are multifaceted because it restricts the "wiggle room" of one's identity. For some, being Muslim may mean strict adherence to the Quran, but for others it may mean having a sense of community with other followers of the same religion. Religious identities can unify people with different class, racial, or sexual identities. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Additionally, the “open mesh of possibilities” that religious identity conceals makes it possible to follow a religion while adhering to beliefs that may contrast with the religion's holy doctrine. The contrast between Christian institutions such as the Westboro Baptist Church, which chastises people for their identities, such as race, sexuality or gender, and other less polarizing groups, shows that the "umbrella term" of Christianity does not have a “monolithic” definition. . This ambiguity is linked to religion, as one may not be a devout practitioner, but still identify as a Christian. Identities provide a definitive way for people to connect with each other.