TIA 1 [Ellie Maltzman] (1)

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Rutgers University *

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200

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Communications

Date

Apr 30, 2024

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docx

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4

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Ellie R. Maltzman Professor Venetis Communication Theory 200 13 October 2023 Theory In Action Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65886212 In the article “Affirmative action: US Supreme Court overturns race-based college admissions”, the BBC explores the Supreme Court overturning race-conscience applications for colleges in the United States. Race has been an aspect that colleges have considered in accepting students since 1960. As of June 2023, the court has overturned this policy as they claim it may set an unfair advantage for students who are not of color. The court had mentioned that some universities may accept students solely to ensure diversity in their environment. However, many students were enraged claiming that this is discrimination, and negatively impacts students of color. This article highlights the left, and the right wings, and how each individual may feel about this ruling. This ruling divides the nation, and most of all discourages many students who are in the process of applying to college. The Communication Theory of Identity recognizes that there are multiple ways that a person may present their self. The Communication Theory of Identity was developed by Hecht, and colleagues and emerged in 1980. The overall goal of this theory is to “capture the complex, fluid, and multilayered nature of identity by articulating a ‘layered’ perspective of identity” (Hecht 223). There are layers to one identity in which they are able to work together to form one’s image. These layers include; personal, enacted, relational, and communal identities.
Personal identity can include race, gender, and religion. Enacted identity includes the behaviors of one that reflect one's identity. People may open a door for another to show they are nice. Relational is depicted within relationships, and how one relationship changes or influences an individual's self-image. Lastly, communal is a group's identity, and how social norms may influence an individual. When these layers work together, and influence each other, they are interpenetrated. Each of these layers works together to contribute towards social interactions, and relationships, and develop one's own self-image. However, complications arise when these layers conflict and this may lead to an Identity gap. Identity gaps can negatively impact one's perspective on themselves, or even their own relationships. For example, the pandemic was a conflicting era for people trying to understand their image Hecht mentions “The ongoing gaps related to health decisions have the potential to bring people closer together or destroy relationships” (229). Overall, it is important to understand the different layers of self-identity in order to be satisfied with social interaction, and communication as a whole. In keeping with this theory, the headline "Affirmative action: US Supreme Court overturns race-based college admissions" draws attention to the possible influence of media and communication on people's conceptions of their own racial and ethnic identities in the context of affirmative action laws. The BBC article exemplifies the Communication Theory of Identity as race embodies an aspect of personal identity. Hecht highlights personal identity “denotes how an individual defined themself” (223). Many individuals, especially young students still find themself relying on their race to define their own self-image. The ruling of the Supreme Court has now undermined a part of one’s student identity. Another way this connects to the theory is the identity gaps born from this decision. This ruling creates a personal-enacted identity gap, as some students feel they may have to write their college essays about their race even though they
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