Final answer:
Jackson's shift from self-identifying as “Canadian” to “a Soldier” shows how military basic training can profoundly reshape an individual’s identity, aligning personal beliefs and behaviors with the institution's values and culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The change in how Jackson identifies himself from “Canadian” to “Soldier” after completing basic training reveals how a person’s identity can be reshaped through the process of initiation and integration into a new institution, such as the military. This transformation occurs as new members like Jackson are stripped of their old identity and undergo a set of shared experiences that instill a new set of values and behaviors aligning with the institution's culture. Basic training not only teaches soldiers practical skills like maintaining cleanliness for inspections, marching in formation, and saluting superiors, but also fosters camaraderie and a sense of belonging.
Additionally, the idea of cognitive dissonance implies that individuals will seek to align their beliefs and attitudes with their behaviors to avoid discomfort. For someone like Jackson, adopting the identity of “a Soldier” may help resolve any internal conflict and create a more cohesive sense of self that reflects the values and expectations of military life. Jackson's transformation suggests a significant alignment of his personal identity with the collective identity of the institution he has joined.