Identity

                In life one thing that everyone has is an identity. It can simply be their name, or something they’re known for, their “claim to fame” works too. Not everyone is simply born into a label, sometimes people struggle for years to find who they are; and it’s not a walk in the park if that’s what you’re going through. If one thing is worse than no identity, it’s the dreaded bad identity. If you are given a bad reputation you are usually shunned by your fellow coworkers, neighbors, or in Melinda Sordino’s case classmates. In the novel “Speak” Melinda was the victim of a sexual assault that changed her life, and her identity. Everyone struggles with their identity, and it doesn’t always pay off.

                Finding an identity is hard enough for the students of Merryweather high school, without the constant change of their mascot. Before the end of “Speak” the high school changes their team name at least five times. They go through many diverse titles such as the “Blue Devils” and the “Wombats” before finally settling on the “Hornets,” the “Horny Horny Hornets.” To be honest the students would have an easier time with their personal identities if they could at least say something along the lines of “Hi my name is Jenna Anderson and I go to Pewaukee High School, home of the Pirates.” An identity less school just makes things harder for everyone, especially since almost everyone that attends Merry Weather high school is searching for something to call themselves. This wacky high school is utterly missing an identity.

                Another identity seeking being in this novel is the new girl Heather from Ohio. She wants her name to be known by everyone in school, and in all the right ways. Heather is a dreamer, she wants more than just to fit in, she wants to stand out. The only thing keeping her from achieving these hopes is her rather eccentric personality. Merryweather doesn’t always accept new kids, especially ones with hopeful and bubbly personalities like Heather. The only group that will accept her is one that will treat her as a pet, someone to just do all they’re work for them. Like so many other things in this book Heather is without identity.

                Some things aren’t without identity, they just exceed it, and the art curriculum at Merryweather does this. The teacher Mr. Freeman gives them one word to branch off of; otherwise they are completely free to do whatever they want. When something has no restrictions, requirements, or obstacles can it really have an identity? In Mr. Freeman’s room there is no identity, the artist can be whoever they want, and they can create whatever they want. There is no identity in Mr. Freeman’s room, and that is one of the only places where it’s ok.

                Almost every person, every object, and every place has an identity. Identities are one of the most important things in life if you think about it. Everybody wants to be known, everybody wants people to think good of them, but that doesn’t always happen. You can never choose your identity, but you can do something to change it, as Melinda has. Melinda is now stronger and happier than she was after her assault; this girl has truly improved her life. At some point everyone accepts themselves for who they are, and by that time everyone should be satisfied with their identity.