My Identity is not Mine

a writing piece by Michelle Ramaa

The notion that each individual possesses an established persona is false, because a definition excludes the possibility of change. Identity is the result of a pseudo-environment founded upon social constructivism. It is based on which specific qualities one ascribes to themself in the hopes of finding some substantial evidence of character. Hence, conceptually, identity is adorned with bias and ego, and is utterly subjective. As Nietzsche’s doctrine of perspectivism stated, “there are no facts, only interpretations.” If one were to literally explore the pseudo-world they emotionally constructed for themselves, they would realize that, in the words of Walt Whitman, they contain multitudes. This occurs due to consuming a diverse selection of media and cultivating various social interactions which

may be influential in forming central personal values. The “identity” that results from these practices does not reflect any factual reality. Rather, since there is no conclusive actuality to identity, it constitutes itself. Therefore, it is a theoretical element of personal construct psychology. Although it is not tangible, it gives comfort through the idea that each person has meaning to their life and consequently must execute their duties with purpose. It is essentially the very basis of societal structure, the only reason that it is still referred to, because it is human nature to long for something to provide a sense of fulfillment. Allow me to share with you a personal experience that makes up a large aspect of what brought me to this idea. Biologically, I am female. But preconceived stereotypes pertaining to this statement force me to present myself within the confines of the social construct of

gender, which creates an entirely new identity for me. I am unable to describe my gender identity without using phrases like “feminine”. I cannot identify myself with gender without perpetuating the patriarchal stereotype that biological women must fall under the set of attributes termed “feminine”. I cannot present myself as I please without being labeled and scrutinized. As a result, identity does not permit me to have the liberty of expressing myself without having to cater to gender-specific standards. If I want to obtain the freedom of self-expression, I must refuse to limit myself to one set identity.