“MINNESOTA ROOTS”
Lizzo “Truth Hurts”
Truth Hurts by Lizzo is a song that relates to how I grew up to be an independent women from a small town called Chaska, Minnesota. The song exudes topics of being single, on your own, and not needing a man to get through life. As a child, I was found to be very independent and okay with doing things on my own. To this day, I have always been comfortable enough to work hard for what I earn and I’m not afraid to make big moves on my own, such as moving to California to attend College. Every day, I appreciate the drive and self-determination that Minnesota gave me. According to our class reading, Introduction toward an integrative views of identity, “the steps taken to develop a sense of self might ultimately lead to the discovery and actualization of one’s potentials.” The lessons and knowledge that I have gained from growing up in Minnesota has led me to discover myself and what I want for my future.
Lil Yachty, Quavo, Skippa Da Flippa, Young Thug “Minnesota”
To quote Lil Yachty, “You need to stay up out them streets, if you can’t take the heat. Cause it gets cold like Minnesota, cold like Minnesota.” Obviously, living in cold weather most of your life not only leaves you with a lack of Vitamin D, but it also leaves you with an appreciation for community and family. Growing up in the Midwest, a family and community dynamic is very encouraged. Being able to get to know your neighbors, playing in the streets after school, having neighborhood block parties, and ultimately living with a community that supports you is truly what Minnesota is all about. Although the weather is extremely cold, it’s true what they say that there is such a thing as “Minnesota Nice.” My identity was formed to be the way it is today because of my Minnesota community. To this day, it has given me the positive family values that I admire and want for myself in the future. This is just one instance of how my collective identity has shaped what I want for my future life, which is a loving family.
Billy Joel “Vienna”
Vienna by Billy Joel is one of my all-time favorite songs, since it always seems to put me in a inspiring mood. The song is about Billy’s family dynamic when he was a young boy. As a child, his parents divorced and his father moved to Vienna to begin a new family. Similar to my childhood, my parents divorced when I was in second grade and it shaped the person that I am today. The song also mentions, “slow down you crazy child,” which is one of my favorite lyrics. I always felt that I was more mature than a lot of kids my age, and seemed to be in a rush to grow up. According to Erik Erikson’s developmental theory, “adolescence is a critical period of identity formation, in which individuals overcome uncertainty, become more self-aware of their strengths and weaknesses and become more confident in their unique qualities.” My ambition to grow up fast and be independent helped me develop the confidence that I now have today. Although my childhood wasn’t perfect, the setbacks in my life have built me to be more confident in my abilities.
Bow Wow “Basketball”
This song by Bow Wow was featured in one of my favorite movies that I watched as a kid. “Basketball” was part of a dance sequence in the movie, Like Mike and it made me want to get up and play basketball. I started playing the sport in 1st grade and loved the game because it brought me closer to my dad, who also played basketball throughout his life. Being able to connect with my dad through sports, helped me be able to relate more to him and let me get an insight into how his personality traits are similar to mine. The relationship that I have with my father has shaped my identity and how I see myself. My dad is more on the timid, shy side and I was very similar to that as a child. As I learned to be more social, my confidence grew and my shyness lessened. My dad has also taught me the empowerment of working hard at not only sports, but also being able to make a living. Throughout my dad’s life, he has almost always had two jobs in order to save money and be financially stable. This is something that I have admired in my father, I would say that I got my work ethic from him.
The Beatles “Hey Jude”
Hey Jude by The Beatles was a song written in order to cheer up Lennon’s then five year old son during his parent’s divorce. Whenever I listened to this song, there would be a wind of calmness that would come over me. I can relate to the meaning since my parents divorced as a child and it taught me to not be afraid to accept the pain that was coming my way. My parents separation led me to self-direct my life goals and helped me understand the type of relationship that I eventually want in life. I know I want to start a family, but I don’t believe to partners have to be married in order to have children. Of course, there are certain benefits to being married, but as long as the relationship is stable enough to put the children first, that’s all that matters. Another aspect to a partnership or romantic relationship is the fact that I think two people should be able to be friends foremost before getting serious. If you can at the very least have respect for one another, then you can have a children together. My parents divorce influenced my personal goals, values, and beliefs in life.
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