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Vertical And Horizontal Identity In Andrew Solomon's Son

256 Words2 Pages

A person’s identity is an amalgamation of characteristics that set them apart from others. Everyone is truly unique because no two people possess the same exact beliefs and qualities as another person. Though a person may have grown up in a specific culture, outside factors can contribute to the forming of an individual’s identity which causes a person to diverge from what they knew themselves to be growing up. Andrew Solomon, author of “Son”, puts forth the idea of vertical and horizontal identities. Vertical identity comes from the passing down of expectations and culture from family while horizontal identity comes from outside forces. Because everyone is not just a product of only characteristics inherited vertically or horizontally, a person

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