Leading From Authentic Identity

Leading from authentic identity

WK1. Discussion Post Responses

by  Rosana Ramacciotte

America Ferrera represents a person who lives in the United States of America but doesn't understand the nation she was born in. She doesn't know her identity and purpose in this world. It is hard to respect any entitled rich woman making money in Holywood and criticizing the industry for not taking her for her looks. All industries are challenging not because of people's identity but because of the condition of humanity's heart.

My three take ways are as follows:

Should Ferrera's identity be more prevalent than others? If all movies looked and talked like her, I would not be watching any movie or show. She is not fit for the industry.

I am in America to learn the American way, and my identity and purpose are essential to me. Imposing who I am to other cultures not related to the one I was thought of is not only disrespectful but plain stupid. 

The second takeaway is the hatred against beautiful people. Not everyone is called to be the princess in the movie. According to society, some people have the looks to be pleasing to the eyes. She became famous for the show "Ugly Betty," and she submitted to the position because she was making money. 

Instead of recognizing how blessed she is to be famous in the best country in the world, she plays this liberal "poor me," and the white people hate me because I am Latina (sick!).

The third take away she is right: our identity is our superpower! We must learn to love ourselves and find our place of authority, making us a superwoman. Finding ourselves is never easy because we have so many doing what we desire to do; our journey of discovery is to make us better, not bitter. 

by  Toni Imsen

Three quotes from America Ferrera’s Ted Talk stand out.

1. “It’s possible to be the person who actually wants to see change, whose actions also want things the way they are.”

2. “Change isn’t going to come by identifying the bad guys and the good guys. That conversation lets all of us off the hook.”

3. “Change will come when we come to question our own fundamental beliefs and see to it that our actions lead to our best intentions.”

An 11-minute video can prompt so many thoughts. America Ferrera is speaking of embracing her own identity and her finding her place in Hollywood, there is much more to be taken from her message.

The thing that runs through all the above quotes I can see is the word CHANGE. When we embrace our own identity, we are able to bring change from an authentic place.

Three Take-Aways

Quote 3 points out that our actions come from our own fundamental beliefs because our actions have an outcome. Part of embracing our identity comes from discovering our own beliefs that drive us.

Quote 2 places responsibility back on us to create from our identity. Blaming the bad guys and idolizing the good guys never leads us to action. Those things keep us as observers of the game rather than being a player.

Quote 1 shows us that we all have an internal conflict. We want to make a difference and see something new come into being, but we also cling to the things that benefit us about an old paradigm. I often say to myself, “pick a camp.” We cannot have it both ways. Clarifying who we are and what we are made for, and most importantly who we are ultimately shapes our identity.