The One about Identity

Humans are very conscious about their Identity. It shows by the way we try to parade ourselves in the society, we wear the best when we go out, young men show off their well tanned muscles, ladies show off their elegant curves. It is there everywhere! But when we ask somebody to identify themselves they identify themselves as an Asian, Indian, Malayalee, Hindu and so on or as a part of a Community based on their Religion or Ethnicity. Rarely do people identify themselves with their own capabilities, we do show off our "Assets" to others but we area bit hesitant to say I am "Intelligent", "Smart”,” Beautiful" what not? So it is like each one of us are Comfortable in identifying ourselves in plural communities.

People coexist in a number of communities. A person can be a Hindu, a Scientist, an Asian, a Researcher, a CSK Team Supporter, but the question remains as which identity we would, prefer to be identified with. The importance given by a person onto a community is what can define him. A very important factor, that i gave seen till now is that we tend to generalize our ideas. We mistake an individual's character for a group stereotype. As a result of our misconception we tend to become biased towards certain people. This is highly prominent in India. We classify people into numerous categories based on Language, caste, religion and stick our guns against them.

News about atrocities against people by fanatics is becoming common nowadays. The anger that drives these people is their belief that the other person is an enemy just because he belongs to another community. We complain about racism when we read about these fanatic acts, but aren’t we doing on the same on a lower level in our daily lives. I see that even in my apartment, which is shared by four. Three of them are from the same state, so the fourth one more often than not becomes the butt of all jokes, and doesn't have the same freedom that is enjoyed by the other three. Isn't this categorization a form of racism? Arent, we guilty of discrmination based on language?

We tend to look at the differences that are evident, but if you look closely, there would be a thousand things that will be common. These common things are the ones that make us bond. Convincing people to get rid of their stead fast beliefs and change will be a huge challenge itself. Working with a diverse group is one way by which our beliefs can change. When there is a need to accomplish a common goal people put aside their differences and work together. It is entirely possible to live harmoniously if we are grouped by Interests and capabilities rather than by ethnicity or by religion. The key is to Open Up.

Never before till now did the Nescafe Theme Song mean more to me in life. Open up and don't stay behind. One can laugh all they want at someone, but he is not the one who is going to have the last laugh. So said a wise man.