IDENTITY

The term identity has two contradictory connotations; on the one hand it signifies absolute sameness, hence 'identical', and on the other it implies individuality, or personality, hence 'identification'. This is found in the Greek term "TAYTOTHTA», as well as in other Indo-European languages.

Here I'll deal with the second sense, which concerns human attributes, characteristics and conduct, which differentiate one individual from another. The question, which should be propounded, regarding identity, is whether it is innate or acquired, and what affects its formation?

I believe that a small part is inherent, inherited from our progenitors, i.e. it is in our genes, for example features, complexion, height, etc. However the majority of one's identity is moulded through different facts, like interaction, training and environment.

Identity consists of a number of components; some are visible features, and some are behaviourial and cultural attributes, or acquired qualifications, e.g. driving licenses, passports, Medicare cards, diplomas, etc. or they could be of a person of nature with extensive details like biographies, autobiographies, obituaries or any other sort of media exposure.

Certain identity documents are compulsory, but many are voluntary, and even certain animals require identity tags. Besides, some animals, for scientific purposes, are equipped with microchips for identity.

It is worth citing that in certain states governed by absolute rules certain minorities are forced to display their identity by different means. It happened in ancient times, and in modern times, like during Hitler's Nazi regime; the Jews were forced to wear the yellow Star of David. Also in our days the Taliban government in Afghanistan requires the non-Muslims to be identified by wearing a distinctive badge.

Finally, identity documents are a very important aspect of our everyday dealings and without them we cannot have a normal life.

L. G. R. The Alexandrian

Reproduced with the permission of the Editor 
Antipodes Journal of the Greek-Australian Cultural League of Melbourne