American Art Sculpture

American Art Sculpture

I am having some serious identity issues- HELP?

I am African American, and I am 16. I like a variety of things, like art (painting, drawing, sculpture), and variety of music (like rock, soul, hip hop, alternative, and some folk, etc.).

And I enjoy classic movies, and a lot of other stuff,

But, does anyone else have a problem trying to find out what "group" you identify with??

Since I'm in highschool, thats all there is- "groups"

And I don't know how to express myself sometimes, because the idea of conformity confuses me terribly. I feel like I am not expressing myself to the fullest. I even feel plain and ordinary at times.

What to do?

While a large part of high school is about 'fitting in' and finding your 'social circle', it is not for everyone.

Most people have an innate desire to find their place among the crowd, but there is truly too much emphasis put on it all.

Groups tend to water people down, anyway. If you just group everyone together, all you have are stereotypes. I've found that the best label for myself was not, 'Jock', 'Goth', 'Emo', 'Prep', 'Nerd', or the likes -- it was simply 'Me'.

Accept yourself and be happy with who you are, and you will not need such ill-defining labels. You will find other individuals that you can identify with and who will accept and like you for who you are -- and not what you can call yourself.

Expression can come in many forms; through art, dance, literature, music, or even something as simple as the jewelry you wear. Be creative and do what feels most natural to you. Do not fear ostracism from others.

Be yourself.