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Identity Communication: An Analysis
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Self-identity, according to Schultze and Badzinski (2015), means the identity mode for all
persons, while social identity characterizes how others view the said person. Identity, therefore,
refers to the plurality of roles persons play and expectations placed upon them, which
consequently influences how they express themselves within any given social setting. This paper
explores identity, as captured in the body text of the module, and evaluates identity
communication in three module video scenarios.
Petersen (2022) thus points out that identity can be seen as the interaction of self-
perception and perception by others. To communicate understanding, one has to understand self-
perception and the perception of others in order to relate well with them in a social environment.
Schultze and Badzinski (2015) also stress that identity is not a passive thing; it is developed
through interaction and response of the other members.
The first video, "What Is Identity of Self?" (Liberty University, n.d.) touches on Alia's
interaction with her co-worker to show how identity communication is a challenging task. This is
where Alia's co-worker forms a background impression, from her appearance and looks, of her
family status and place of origin, presenting her social identity. Initially dismissing these
assumptions, Alia presented a holding of true personal identity in need of dialogue to open
avenues for mutual understanding.
The second video, "Misunderstood" (Liberty University, n.d.), shows the discussion
between a father and son. Here, it powerfully highlights how the father sees the world from a
perspective like his sons in order to bond and communicate identity empathically. His son resists
at first, showing how difficult it can be to reconcile self-identity versus social identity when
others might judge.
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The third video, "False Pretenses" (Liberty University, n.d.), depicts one character's
struggle with social identity, as seen when the character engages in online communication. The
character tries to put the best foot forward, establishing himself with an attempt to enact the
salient difference between self-identity and social identity when communicating via digital
means. This shows how technology may influence identity and how easily misunderstandings
may occur.
Identity communication is the interplay in a most complex way: between understanding
self-perception and understanding others' perception and knowing these notions, as discussed by
Schultze and Badzinski (2015) and Petersen (2022), equity in the importance of effective
interpersonal interaction. Scenarios from the video show that identity communication affects
relationships and that empathy and openness to speaking are essential.
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References
Liberty University. (n.d.). Watch: Communication Scenario I - What Is Identity of Self?
Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Online.
Liberty University. (n.d.). Watch: Communication Scenario II – Misunderstood. Lynchburg, VA:
Liberty University Online.
Liberty University. (n.d.). Watch Communication Scenario III - False Pretenses. Lynchburg,
VA: Liberty University Online.
Petersen, J. C. (2022). Why don't we listen better? Communicating and connecting in
relationships (3rd ed.). Petersen Publications.
Schultze, Q. J., & Badzinski, D. M. (2015). An essential guide to interpersonal communication:
Building great relationships with faith, skill, and virtue in the age of social media. Baker
Academic.
