Cynthia+P.

Phase I: Who Am I? What's My Place?

I think the biggest thing that influences/makes up your identity is your culture/society. After all, for the most part, your culture defines what your ideas of right and wrong are, what you perceive as beauty, and so much more. I try very hard to see things without the lens of my culture covering my eyes, but it is always a challenge. Of course, even within your culture, you still have the ability to make your own choices and to avoid just going with the flow or with what your culture tells you to believe. So I think your culture and the choices you make within that cultural context are what determine your identity.
 * What __really__ makes up your identity?

A lot of things I would say give me a "place" in this world. First, there is definitely my background and upbringing. I grew up without any money or real advantages,in a family that did not understand me or my artistic tendencies at all. In fact, few people in town really "got me" growing up. Even though I have moved on from that small and lonely place where I grew up, it is still a part of me. It still makes me who I am.
 * What __really__ makes up your sense of place?

Meredith College, where I got my undergraduate degree, really gave me a sense of place. In fact, so did the entire town of Raleigh. I feel like I belong here, and for me the city and my college represent freedom. finding myself, and being able to truly be myself for the first time in my life.

My church also is a huge sense of place for me. It allows me to be around people who have similar values and to talk about our relationships with our Heavenly Father. It is what grounds me the most and shows me what my purpose is in this life.

Other things that contribute to my sense of place are my boyfriend and my pets-- wherever they are, that's home for me, even if it is halfway across the world.


 * What roles do your identity and sense of place play when you work with others in a group project?

Well, the fact that I grew up poor and having to learn to make do with very little has made me quite the resourceful person. I will find a way to get something done...somehow...no matter how impossible it seems, a skill I know I learned from my upbringing. On the flip side, however, having grown up in a town where I was never really accepted for myself or allowed to express my opinions has made me wary of group work. Even though I've had much better experiences with group work in college, that old fear of being misunderstood or humiliated still remains and makes me feel nervous, insecure, and less likely to speak up in a group. I prefer to work alone thanks to my identity and my sense of place, but that is something I want to overcome.


 * What are the qualities that you bring to the GLIP conversation that will help you make a contribution to your global group?

I am really proud of the fact that I am a world traveler. I have lived in both China and Mexico as an undergraduate going on study abroad trips, and I leave for a five week stint in China on March 30. So, I think the fact that I have had some awesome experiences and lived in other cultures is a nice contribution.

Also, I am a reliable person. I try to be understanding and accepting of all people, and I love hearing others' opinions and thoughts.


 * What is one local problem (where you live) that you believe needs to be addressed? Suggest some steps could you take to try to solve it?

This problem is more local to me than to my area specifically, though it does affect both, but my church does not support gay marriage and also views homosexuality as a sin. It doesn't tell members of the church that we have to personally think that homosexuality is wrong or be opposed to gay marriage, but in order to be members in good standing, we cannot engage in homosexual relationships or enter into a homosexual union. While I am not a homosexual myself, I am a huge supporter of the rights of all people and do not view homosexuality as wrong. I would like to see my church change its position on homosexuality and on gay marriage.

The simplest and most effective step to making this happen is probably just to have more members who feel like I do stand up and voice their opinions. There is a site (http://www.mormonsformarriage.com) that is slowly making that possible, but we really need to push for it and plead with our church leaders for a change.

I think a person has to be able to not view such a problem as just some impossible,old thing that has been around for so long it doesn't really matter whether it gets solved or not. I guess that's a long way of saying it needs to be someone who can look at the problem with a fresh, new perspective, setting aside past judgments and opinions. It should also be someone who believes that change can happen, even when it seems impossible. Furthermore, the person will need to be determined, hardworking, and forward thinking.
 * Finally, some problems have been around for a long time. What qualities do you think a person must have to step up and try to solve them?

Phase II: Sense of Place

Upload image (s) here:



Description/Rationale: I chose this photograph of the Raleigh, NC temple. This temple is a very special and scared place of worship and communication with God for those belonging to the Latter Day-Saint faith. I chose this photograph because it represents not only the type of simple architectural beauty that runs rampant throughout my town, but also showcases the religious freedom that we enjoy as Americans.

Three Facts:

In America, people are free to worship however they choose, in any way that makes them happy, so long as it does not harm others.

Raleigh, North Carolina in particular is home to many beautiful churches, special places of religious worship, and other buildings that help people to celebrate and take pride in their diverse faiths.

Despite the religious freedom enjoyed in the state of North Carolina, people are still not free to be who they are and live their lives the way they want to 100%. I say this, because gay marriage is illegal in the state of North Carolina.

Special Project or Group that Provides Support/Resources:

The LGBT Center of Raleigh http://www.lgbtcenterofraleigh.com/site/

Use these questions to help you determine which picture shows someone else why your “place” is so special to you.
 * Does a scenic picture represent the beauty you believe that your town has?
 * Does a picture of a group of people represent and show a warmth and friendliness that your town has?
 * Does a statue or building convey the feeling of history that makes your place important and unique?
 * Is there a cultural event that represents the values of your home location?

What are your initial thoughts about how your image addresses the questions above? Later, you will be working with the members of your group to create a travel package that includes visits to each group member's home location (see Phase II)

I think the image I've provided definitely shows the beauty of my town and of my entire country, physically and on a deeper level as well. Physically, my part of the United States is full of simple, classic architecture that is both beautiful and functional, and my photo is a good representation of that. On a deeper level though, part of the beauty of the United States is the freedom of religion that we enjoy, and the fact that a religious building is allowed to just be there in the open, for all to see, not hidden away, is a great testament to this. The picture and the fact that the temple is there, unharmed despite people having different beliefs, shows that, for the most part, my town is full of accepting and tolerant people. The building is full of history; many people have gotten married in that temple and had other important life commitments made there

Phase III: Identify Local Issue:

What is your local issue? My local issue is homosexuality and gay rights as they relate to the Mormon church, of which I am a member. Homosexuality is viewed as a sin in the church, and those who engage in homosexual relations may not be members of the church in good standing.

What can you do to be address the issue?

Well, I love being active at [|www.mormonsformarriage.com.] Not only does the site show me that I am not alone in my views, but it also helps others who are homosexual to know that there are people within our church who are standing up for their rights! Also, on my own, I think I can not be afraid to express my opinions to other members of my church, even though some of them migt look down on me for them. I can advocate for gay rights and still be a faithful Mormon; I think that sets an example for other members of the church and could possibly challenge the views of those who see homosexuality as a sin and who approve of the church's stance on it.

What is the global impact of your local issue? Mormons are everywhere! Even in China, I will attend a Mormon church! So, obviously we're not just some small group. Our opinions do matter, and we are a large and ever growing church. I think if we could change our church's stance on gay rights then that could open the door for other churches that disapprove to do the same. If enough churches changed their stances, then I think members of those churches very likely would too. Hopefully, this would eventually lead to worldwide support for homosexuals.

Add these thoughts to your Group's Discussion Forum on Local Issues