Socially Constructed

Being socially constructed is something that is out of our control. The groups we are in, the music we listen to, and the clothes we wear define who we are in society. I am from "the North", a sorority member, a daughter, a sister, a friend and the list could go on for a while. As for being a "Northerner", I didn't realize this trait was a part of me until I came to school in the south. I am from Cincinnati, OH and am only 20 minutes from Kentucky. My Dad's family is from Kentucky and my grandmother has a thick Southern accent and makes sweet tea. I never considered myself a Northerner, but when I came to Clemson and told people I was from Ohio I felt immediately judged. The Southern society interpreted this attribute as a negative thing, something novel to me. On the other hand, my friends who go to more Northern schools might think Southern people with thick accents were slow and even maybe not as intelligent. This shows that society changes its views on certain people depending on their background and views.
Being Greek is also a trait I strongly associate with. For my Greek friends, I am viewed as "normal" and even determined because I have held positions and am a leader in my organization. But to non-Greeks I can be viewed as a conformist who wears the same t-shirts and skirts as everyone else. As Aimee explained there is no normal. Being Greek and being from Ohio are just a part of who I am. These traits don't hold me back or define me, but society can judge me based on these associations even if it is not true.