Aspects of Identity - 2

 

Classification of Identity

In contrast to external identity that is bestowed upon us by the society in the form of position, title, etc we also possess an inner identity that reflects our inner capabilities, strengths, skills, talents, etc that plays a dominant role in our lives by constantly interfering with our external identity and impacting it making it recognizable, easily identifiable and building one’s identity in true sense. In reality, we all are made up of our inner identities that help others to distinguish us from others as inner characteristics greatly differ from one individual to another and help in easy classification of people from one another. One important aspect of inner identity is that it can be felt, realized, and experienced by people who are in close contact with the concerned subject and to understand one’s inner attributes and identity, it is important to know a particular individual for a prolonged period of time. For example, two good friends can easily examine each other’s tendencies, interests and preferences, psychological behavior, decision making capability, ability, skills etc just because they know and understand each other’s identity well and thoroughly because they have maintained friendship for a prolonged period of time. External identity is what we project we are while internal or inner identity is what we actually are. External identity is known and recognized by our title, responsibilities, position etc while inner identity needs to be understood being in constant contact. Two good friends, partners, couple, family, etc are example of people who know and understand each other’s inner identities as well as recognize external identities of their loved ones.

Important characteristics of inner identity of an individual are his intellect, emotions, psychological attributes, spiritual inclinations, interests and instincts, physical attributes, priorities and objectives in life and career, needs and wants etc. These features are responsible for building his core identity that eventually forms his external identity. Some other fine examples of one’s inner identity could go beyond one’s genetic characteristics and include various aspects of persona such as skills and talents, communication styles, learning patterns, collection, processing and organization of information, analytical power, sense of humor, analyzing power, etc. These fine characteristics form an integral part of an individual’s identity. This is evident from world’s greatest physicists, mathematicians or sportsmen who have no inherited history of intellectual genius or physical capability.

Researchers opine that despite of similarities of interests and preferences among students in subjects of common interests there is every probability that each of the student may be distinctly different from the rest in various other aspects of being. An example of this would be similarities in the form of favorite games or favorite teacher or a favorite tourist spots, however; they will significantly vary when varied other factors are examined. This simply proves differing identities may share their similarities over a matter of interest however they still differ in many other important aspects of personality. Therefore, identity is something that is a fine assortment of various attributes and characteristics that are cultivated during the course of life; learnt from experiences, knowledge, own thinking and instincts. This is evident from various real life instances of real people who significantly vary in their tastes, interests and preferences. For example, a white American may have no issue marrying an African however; on the contrary a black may have issues marrying a white due to various inherent finer attributes of personality involving interests, preferences, etc.  

Identity in fact is such a broad subject that it even encompasses finer aspects of one’s personality such as tastes in terms of what one likes to eat and drink, touch- what one likes to feel and experience, smell- what pleases and what not, sight- what one prefers in terms of color, designs, structures, shapes and sizes in regards to watching movies, wearing cloths, sightseeing, etc and listening- what one likes to listen to in regards to music, subjects of interest etc. Therefore, identity is a complex phenomenon that requires a thorough consideration and deeper analysis before one can actually arrive to a definite conclusion on the subject. 

Transformation of identity

Our identities are influences by the society we live in and are significantly altered by external influences on a constant basis. An example of this would be an extrovert individual who is given opportunity and scope in the society tends to behave more confidently and in an authoritative way as compared to an introvert individual may be successful in his domain yet has craving for social appreciation. This simply demonstrates how external factors influence our behavior, attitude and identity. Another good example of this fact would be a native of Africa migrating to Russia. In the initial period of time, he is bound to face several challenges in order to be accepted in Russian society. In real sense, his identity is being transformed from an African to a Russian. This transformation would demand him to adopt Russian way of living, speaking, diet, rules and regulation, behavior and following etiquettes the Russian way. He will have to transform his identity into a new identity in order to be accepted by the Russian society. This change in identity is a constant process as new things are learnt every passing day through experiences and regular exposure to the external environment. However, this individual will still retain his true identity with his family members, friends and people back home. This is a good illustration of how new places, people and environment demand new identities in order to be accepted.

According to the researchers one should always be aware about one’s identity, be self conscious and make attempts to build one’s self confidence and self esteem. This is particularly true when there is situations when/where your identity is at stake. The author strongly believes that identity is something that can be shaped, built and maintained through personal choices, likes and dislikes.