Using Markus and Kitayana’s research to describe my sense of self, I believe that based on my responses, I am stereotypical in my western ideology about having an independent construal of self. Nine out of ten of my statements (1,2,4,5,6,7,8,9) were centered around self-love and quality traits that I possess around my family and friends. Even more, one of those statements were very boisterous concerning my greatness by simply saying “I am ME.”

         However, I only have one statement (3) that could be consider an interdependent construal of self because I describe myself in relation to my relatives and friends. Even though, I only have one statement that is interdependent, I do think I am equally interdependent and independent. Meaning, I feel that who I am as a person and my accomplishments have a lot to do with my microsystem. However, I was raised to believe that it is important to realize even if my support systems were to fail or abandoned me, it does diminish my accomplishments and who I am as a person. Hence, the seemingly vain and independent statements

         Ironically, when I try to think of English proverbs that reflect my seeming independent construal of self. I find it no easier to think of statements that are more independent than interdependent. For example, the first thing I think about is an interdependent proverb, “never burn your bridges”, which essentially means don’t crassly cut ties with people because you might need them one day. Then, the next thing that pops in my mind is a independent proverb that is technically originated from Germany, “what does not kill you, will make you stronger”, meaning, the trials and tribulations in life a person will go through in life will build resilience. I believe that I mostly think of interdependent and independent proverbs equally because I am well rounded a person; I believe that human beings need other human beings for survival, love, and support, but at the same time, they have the chance of unlocking and fulfilling their maximum potential through their own hard work and dedication.  

References:

“The Dynamic and Multifaceted Nature of the Concept of Self.” pp. 108–111.