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(De)Constructing Self Identity

-- By KristineSaul - 27 Feb 2009

I. Introduction: Sticks and Stones…?

“It’s not what you are called you, but what you answer to” is one of my mother’s classic lines. My mom ascribes to the Holmes line of thinking that things are what they do and names are virtually unimportant. To know what something is, one must ask what it does. The concept appears basic on its face but the fact that this idea has been reiterated time and time again in the Saul household speaks against the simplicity. We can try to argue that names and the opinions of others should not matter in how we define self identify but ultimately, our perceptions are colored, at least in large part, by the names and notions of other people.

II. Identity as a Sword and a Shield

Societal roles are both a sword and a shield. While these classifications can be oppressive and stifling on one hand, they also provide comfort, stability, and structure that we are not comfortable enough to depart from. We are born into roles and whether we play the position we are given or move into another does not change the fact that we assume a role nonetheless. Society takes different characterizations – race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic bracket, etc. – and generates opinions accordingly. Though each of us are comprised of more than what meets the eye – a love for chocolate, an inherent sense of humor, a kind soul – even these characteristics are a result of societal qualifiers. We are social beings so to divorce the importance of society at large on our sense of self is both inaccurate and short sighted. At minimum, who we are is reactionary to who we are perceived to be. The concept applies whether we are a powerful leader who takes pride from being viewed as a force to be reckoned with or an ex-convict that continually fights for a second chance in a cynical society. The views of others construct the context with which we ultimately view ourselves.

III. Identity Example

I can use myself as an example to illustrate my point a bit better. Depending on the situation, I can be viewed as anything from a good kid who has lived life on the “straight and narrow” to a classic case of affirmative action in the educational system to “the Angry Black Woman”. Whether any of these classifications are accurate is less important than the person I have been shaped as a result of these perceptions. I have found comfort in some of the opinions of others and worked to live up to some of these views. Being a good daughter and a well-rounded student are examples of roles that I am both perceived to hold and actively play. Perceptions that I do not ascribe to may not directly comprise how I self identify but indirectly affect the person I have become. Though I am not determined to live my life negating categorizations I take issue with, my awareness of these alternate views of Kristine have evolved into discernable traits and characteristics. Whether these reactionary traits have led to insecurities about my intelligence or undeterred (and sometimes defiant) strides toward my goals, these forces have worked their way into my identity as well.

III. Identity as Purpose

Though identity is an ongoing process (and struggle), to have one is to have a place in society. Identity provides a feeling of belonging and purpose that we constantly strive toward. It separates us from all the other animals and anything less than that is unacceptable. No one wants to hear that they are no different than anything else on the planet so identity affords us that distinction. We may try to separate self-identity, group identity, and societal identity as separate notions but in essence, they all perform the same function: purpose. Identity affords us a feeling that we can’t do without.

IV. Conclusion

In sum, although I understand the point my mother tries to make by undercutting the value of name calling, the bottom line is that words DO matter. Societal perceptions of who we are cannot be completely divorce with how we ultimately see ourselves. Whether we assume the role we have been given or exist in a stark reaction to it, society’s impact on one’s sense of self is ever present. Despite the oppressive nature social identity can have, it provides a level of undeniable comfort to be more than just units of organisms. Though we ultimately decide the individuals we aspire to be, society’s role in self-identification is continually salient.

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