Self and Self Identity

Interesting. I am not a hundred percent sure I got that but I am sure I will get it with time.



I should start by stating that, for me, Self and Self Identity are not interchangeable but are quite connected.

There is the Self a being of its own within us all that changes with every second. It is affected by thought, emotional state, physical state (hunger/full, sexually satisfied/sexually frustrated, etc.,), natural inclinations and the degree in which we let it dictate or dictate over, and any other interaction beings have. This follows in many peoples footsteps, John Locke for one.

At this point, you should remember that the Self and Self Identity somewhat combine to a certain degree, since Self Identity is the understanding of each human of their Self or of humans Self.

Self Identity is a much trickier one. It is what we decide we are. We can let it be like H. G. Mead expresses as "The Looking Glass Self" where we are what others perceive us as; very similar to labeling theory (I happen to believe they are inseparable to a certain extent, there are minute differences, but it is off topic).

Or Self Identity can be as fluid as Freud's model of the ID, the Ego and the Superego battling for control of Self Identity on a daily basis.

Or Self Identity can be Trickery. Trickery is when we allow ourselves to believe that our job, religion, sexual preference or actions are our Self Identity. Now with a name like Trickery most of us would write it off the list, but maybe we should explore it for a moment or two more.

Not only does Trickery allow actual manifestations of the Self Identity come into being, but it also allows beings to have a guide or road map, if you will. You may say Trickery shouldn't be considered a model for Self Identity, but I believe it is a model. The Mind shapes being, I think we both agree on that, at least to a certain degree, and if one's mind decides to pretend he is a lawyer, than that is what he is, in his mind, which we know basically makes it true, at least to ourselves.

The Pros and Cons for the Trickery model are quite apparent.

Pros - it allows one to feel in control to a greater extent than other models, and it allows the individual to rely on one encompassing word to express, at least in general, who they are.

Cons- its a fabrication of the mind, its not scientifically an accurate description of one's Self, and it causes riffs between different parties.

Now, all models are true, they don't act in tandem, and for some, they don't act at all, but they all can. Self Identity is Self Perception. Self makes all humans equal. Self makes man and women equal, races equal, religious beings equal. It is the thing in all humanity. Self Identity in general is really just a facade. We can let Self Identity be whatever we'd like it to be, we should just never forget of the Self.

It is interesting to note that we let ourselves define ourselves by stereotypes; "I am a Lawyer." We both know how off stereotypes are. I don't know if you remember my liking for generalities and stereotypes, but at the end of the day I do concede they are a trifle misleading.



On with the day.


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