How much does identity matter? Why? How would Gay answer? How would Johnson? What would they say to each other?
I think identity matters a lot. It is how people categorize themselves in order to feel accepted. If someone is struggling to accept their identity, they may have problems. Like for example, in the article about Johnson, she grew up thinking that she was African American. After she found out that she was actually half Italian and and half African American, it caused her to not know who she was and she really struggled with that aspect of her life. So, I do believe identity does matter. I kind of gives people comfort in a way. I think Gay would answer the question about identity that it does matter, but only to a certain extent. I feel like she would only say that it does not matter because of the labels, such as feminism. I think that feminism is a part of her identity, but she does not want the label that it comes with. On the other hand, I think that Johnson would say that it does matter, but she cares more about belonging. When she first found out that she was not fully African American, she was upset and felt like she could not tell people that she was half white. However, towards the end, she started to accept herself and her identity when she found her biological siblings. Johnson seemed to be okay with what she was. ethnicity wise, as long as she knew what she was. I think that Gay and Johnson, if they had a conversation, they would probably talk about their opposing opinions about identity and try to get the other one to see their side on why it is or is not important.
