Finding Identity
Considered a social phenomenon, identity is a complex fact of being that manifests itself in the clothes we wear, the music we listen to and the art we relate with. Identity can be constructed and deconstructed, challenged and affirmed. It’s an ever-changing part of our being, bringing together elements of our past, our present and our aspirations for the future into a conception of ourselves and the world around us. The Collins English Dictionary defines identity as “the state of being a specified person or thing”. Can one be placed into a singular “specification”? How can we further understand our “state of being”? The exciting thing about identity is that it is not fixed: it’s an ever-changing, growing entity that opens us up to creativity and experimentation.
Fashion is perhaps the most experimental way for us to play with our identity. The dressed body acts as a form of non-verbal communication to reveal subculture, sexuality, gender, values, interests and desires. While fashion denotes physicality, it has the ability to transcend the physical garment and bleed into our taste in art, photography, literature, film and music – all of which contribute to our sense of self. However, the journey to finding one’s identity has no fixed destination. Instead, it is a thrilling, complex and deeply personal terrain that we continue to explore throughout the entirety of our lives. While there may be moments of uncertainty, the exploration of identity is filled with opportunities to learn, connect and belong.
Who Am I?
I am a corporeal being yet my physicality is intangible. I exist inside the body, the mind, the subconscious; manifesting myself in objects, experiences and relationships. I energise, I inspire, I confuse, I excite, I spark desire and contemplation. Some days you may see me when you look in the mirror, other days when you’re staring up at the sky. You may begin to articulate your understanding of me, only to find that the very definition of my ever-changing state is ineffable. You ask yourself – who am I?
Horoscopes
In times of uncertainty, we may turn to the stars for reassurance and guidance. By providing us with a piece of insight each day, our horoscopes help us to navigate our journey to self-discovery. Allowing an articulation and validation of certain feelings or experiences, the ritual of reading our star sign can help us find clarity and gain a deeper understanding of our personalities. Even if you’re a horoscope sceptic, there’s something rather comforting and hopeful about taking a look into our connection with the stars.
Love Me or Love Me Not?
From the moment we are born, we are placed into a network of relationships. We witness and experience the value of community in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Being a part of a community can provide people with a safe space to find themselves and comprehend the complexities of their identity. In 1995, bell hooks proposed how a “beloved community is formed not by the eradication of difference but by its affirmation, by each of us claiming the identities and cultural legacies that shape who we are and how we live in the world.” In order for us to claim our identities, as hooks suggests, there is a certain degree of vulnerability that we have to face. It’s a vulnerability that we must experience on interpersonal levels. Relationships can provide us with a space to reveal our uncertainties, make mistakes, to let our guard down. Relationships also allow us to be that space for somebody else. Thus, a chain of vulnerability, understanding and growth is created. And while this may be a daunting venture, vulnerability can open us up to understanding, belonging and an acceptance of ourselves and others. With acceptance, comes freedom.
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