The Influence of Culture on Twin Sisters' Identity Formation

  The Influence of Culture on Twin Sisters' Identity Formation Culture plays a significant role in shaping an individual's identity. This is evident in the documentary "Twin Sisters: A World Apart," which tells the story of Mia and Alexandra, twin sisters who were adopted by different families from different cultures. Throughout the film, we see how culture influences their identity formation in various ways. Firstly, the cultural environments in which Mia and Alexandra grow up greatly impact their values, beliefs, and behaviors. Mia, raised in California, is exposed to American culture, which emphasizes individualism, independence, and assertiveness. As a result, Mia becomes outgoing, confident, and assertive, actively participating in activities such as girl scouts and youth soccer. On the other hand, Alexandra grows up in a remote fishing village in Norway, a culture that values community, nature, and simplicity. Consequently, Alexandra develops a deep connection with nature and exhibits introverted traits. Furthermore, language acts as a significant cultural influence on identity formation. Mia becomes fluent in English while Alexandra learns Norwegian. Language not only shapes their communication abilities but also affects their cognitive processes and perception of the world. The different languages spoken by the sisters contribute to their distinct experiences and perspectives. Additionally, the cultural norms and expectations placed upon Mia and Alexandra by their respective families impact their identity formation. Mia's American family encourages her to express herself freely, pursue her goals, and embrace her individuality. In contrast, Alexandra's Norwegian family values humility, cooperation, and connection with nature. These cultural expectations shape the sisters' personalities and behaviors, further highlighting the influence of culture on identity. Challenges of Communication between the Twin Sisters and Their Families The documentary also explores the challenges of communication faced by the twin sisters and their families. Language serves as a prominent barrier to effective communication between Mia and Alexandra. As they grow up speaking different languages, they struggle to understand each other's words. This linguistic barrier limits their ability to fully express themselves and connect on a deeper level. However, despite this challenge, the sisters find alternative means of communication through gestures, facial expressions, and shared experiences. Furthermore, geographical distance poses a challenge to regular communication between the sisters and their families. Living thousands of miles apart makes it difficult for them to maintain consistent contact and develop a strong bond. This physical separation leads to feelings of longing and isolation for both Mia and Alexandra. Moreover, cultural differences between the sisters' families create misunderstandings and challenges in communication. The different parenting styles, values, and expectations held by the American and Norwegian families affect their understanding of each other's perspectives. These cultural disparities require patience, empathy, and open-mindedness to bridge the communication gap. Factors That Facilitate Communication and Bonding Despite the challenges faced by the twin sisters and their families, various factors facilitate their communication and bonding throughout the documentary. One crucial factor is their shared biological connection as identical twins. This inherent bond enables them to feel a deep sense of familiarity and understanding despite their different cultural backgrounds. Another facilitating factor is their shared experiences during their visits together. When Mia and Alexandra spend an extended amount of time together at eight years old, they begin to develop a stronger connection beyond words. Through play, exploration, and shared adventures, they create lasting memories that transcend language barriers. Furthermore, technology plays a significant role in bridging the geographical distance between the sisters. Through email exchanges, letters, photographs, and eventually social media platforms like Facebook, Mia and Alexandra maintain some level of connection despite being physically far apart. Lastly, the willingness of both sets of adoptive parents to support the girls' relationship contributes to their communication and bonding. The parents actively encourage contact between Mia and Alexandra through visits and other means of communication. Their support provides a foundation for the sisters' relationship to flourish. Relating to What We've Learned in Class The documentary "Twin Sisters: A World Apart" resonates with several themes we have discussed in class. It highlights the influence of culture on identity formation, showcasing how different cultural environments shape individuals' values, beliefs, behaviors, and language acquisition. Additionally, it underscores the challenges faced in cross-cultural communication, emphasizing the importance of empathy, patience, and open-mindedness when interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, the film exemplifies the power of shared experiences in fostering connection and understanding between individuals. Despite language barriers and geographical distance, Mia and Alexandra are able to forge a bond through their shared biological connection and meaningful interactions. Overall, "Twin Sisters: A World Apart" serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of culture in shaping our identities and illuminates the potential for human connection despite differences. It teaches us valuable lessons about empathy, understanding, and the transformative power of shared experiences.

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