Perhaps we should look for our identities in memories of our formative years. Before any external conditioning. Before we were even aware of the social fabric. Before we even knew what inequality meant.
The troubles really begin the minute we try to be what some else thinks we should be. The feeling within us is one of not fitting into the skin of that stereotype but still going along. This feeling then leads to behaviour that is unlike what we have exhibited so far. And that behaviour then leads to attitudes we don’t necessarily agree with subconsciously.
This chain reaction creates an unreal existence. We need to wear our new face every time we leave home. The smile is not genuine anymore. The clothes we wear are not us. The phrases we use are not our true expressions. We may fit in with the crowd but do we fit in with our own values?
The problem in shaping ourselves to comply is that we lose our ability to stand out and shine. By agreeing to be moulded, we tell the world we have no unique point of view. By blending in, we forfeit the right to success. Because success does not come to those who give in.
Being someone else is such hard work. It requires constant checking to see if you are true to the new persona you have crafted. Every action and reaction is studied and forced. Every move you make is devoid of spontaneity and openness. But if you are true to yourself, you need never remember how to behave, respond, reciprocate. Be you…