Final answer:
Stuart Hall did not provide concrete examples of 'essence' but referenced gender essentialism as an over-simplification of identity. Instead, identity is a complex, layered concept shaped by both inherited and acquired characteristics, including cultural and personal experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of identity and its 'essence' as discussed by theorists such as Stuart Hall, contends with the complexity and multifaceted nature of what makes us who we are. Identity is seen as multi-layered, influenced by both inherited and acquired characteristics, and is fluid over time and experiences. It gathers substance from various sources, including one's culture, upbringing, language, and geography. Discussing philosopher John Locke, we see identity tied to psychological continuity, involving consciousness and self-reflection rather than relying on biological determinants. On the other hand, existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre assert that existence precedes essence, suggesting that individuals define their essence through living rather than being born with predetermined characteristics.
To specifically answer the student's question, Hall does not list concrete examples of the underlying 'essence' of identity directly but alludes to concepts such as gender essentialism, where specific traits are considered inherent to all individuals of a certain gender. This simplifies the broader and richer understanding of identity, which is actually shaped by a range of dynamic personal, social, and cultural influences.