Representation of nationalities and cultures

Why identity? The opportunities people are or aren’t given, the decisions they do or don’t make, the qualities they ascribe to themselves and to others – identity is entangled everywhere. Mention, e.g., a particular sexual orientation, ethnicity, or mental condition and one risks being reduced to a single characteristic. The way we perceive ourselves and others is constantly shaped by language, image, picture, sound, gesture, clothing; the list goes on. Forms of representation can include and exclude, promote and limit self-expression, as well as hinder seeing beyond stereotypes.