In many cases, people feel that they have a unique identity, but cannot express this identity, due to various pressures. There are many barriers that could prevent people from expressing their true selves. In modern society, conforming to the “norm” is an important aspect and often poses problems. People are strongly influenced by outside forces: their peers and family. These external aspects of people's daily lives often become obstacles, preventing them from being themselves. People are afraid of being perceived poorly, which leads to conformity. The most common obstacle people face is their peers. Evidence of this can be found in “A Clack of Tiny Sparks: Remembrance of a Gay Boyhood” by Bernard Cooper. In it, Cooper recalls being gay at the age of fourteen and how he attempted to transform to become heterosexual, which was normal. Cooper describes a kissing party he attended, where boys and girls took turns kissing (142-143). This is a classic example of peer pressure. Cooper is pressured to kiss many other girls in front of the public, even though he is not interested because he is gay. The possibility that other children will discover his secret and attack him pushes him not only to attend the party, but ultimately to try to change himself. Another peer who pressures Cooper is his classmate, Theresa Sanchez. Cooper remembers a conversation with her in the hallway during which she asked him, "Are you a faggot?" “'No,' I said. Really, I let out too much defensiveness, too much transparent fear in my response” (139). Once again, the possibility of someone discovering his secret and coming after him frightens him. These two examples act in a simi...... middle of paper ...... and express herself and her opinions. Anzaldúa's mother pressures Anzaldúa to comply and imposes limits because of her fear. Cooper and Anzaldúa's family influence them in different ways, but ultimately both harm their ability to express themselves and develop unique identities. Fear can make people do many things. This allows peers and family to pressure people to conform and not speak out. People will go to great lengths to ensure that they are not perceived negatively, even if it hinders them in their journey to developing a unique identity and being happy.Works CitedAnzaldúa, Gloria. “How to tame a wild tongue.” EWRT1A reader. Ed. Nick Mullins. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2012. 108-118. Print.Cooper, Bernard. “A snap of little sparks: memories of a gay childhood. » EWRT1A reader. Ed. Nick Mullins. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2012. 138-146. Print.