This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

THE STRUGGLE FOR IDENTITY

Sometimes, when I'm stuck in traffic, I like to read the bumper stickers on the backs of cars. Imagine the commitment it takes to buy a bumper sticker and stick it on your automobile for all the world to see! It is very important for that person to tell everyone who he or she is.
Bumper stickers tell us whether that driver is a Democrat or a Republican, a liberal or a conservative, a hunter or an animal lover, pro-life or pro- choice, etc., information that most of us would not readily reveal in polite company. So, why do so many people provide this information on their bumpers? They would say it is to invoke public awareness. But, in reality, these people are craving identity.
We all , as social beings, want to belong. We want to identify with a certain group that gives us fulfillment and meaning. What that group is probably depends on our own personal experience. For instance, if we were raised in a conservative environment, we would most likely identify with gun rights groups.
Most of us don't wear our personal beliefs on our sleeves but some people, who are not fully evolved, need to feel connected to a tribe so much that they advertise on their bumpers. They're saying, " Hey! Look at me! I like Cocker Spaniels!  Do you like Cocker Spaniels?" or " My child is an Honor Student! I'm a good parent! Are you a good parent with an Honor Student?"
The lack of identity can be crippling. Just ask any teenager who is struggling to for his or her own identity. The lucky ones finally do. The not-so - lucky ones become chameleons who assume the identity of the people they love most. The really unlucky ones become addicted, suicidal or even homicidal.
The philosopher said " KNOW THYSELF!"" Do you?

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?