Discovering our true selves: a journey of identity
By Jivisha Kalra Class 11 Tuesday, Jun 13, 2023
Do we live in the reflections of ourselves, or do we exist solely in the eyes of others? These questions about our self-perception and the influence of external validation are explored in the short film "Identity," which portrays a world where everyone wears a mask.
Challenging our lack of self-identity is crucial for each of us. As a high school student, I interact with numerous individuals in my hectic and overwhelming daily routine. Amidst this chaotic cycle of self-doubt and poor self-esteem, we often forget to ask ourselves what we are truly capable of. We are all individuals with the potential to grow and flourish like beautiful blossoming flowers. However, for those of us who bloom late, self-doubt becomes an even heavier burden to bear.
Our identity is like a shadow, and our hearts reflect how we feel about it. A personal anecdote illustrates this well. When my would-be best friend first met me at my parent's anniversary party, she was visibly nervous, speaking in fragments that were difficult to grasp. Like a character in the film, she struggled to assimilate her thoughts and comprehend her own emotions. It made me understand that the longer we delay in understanding our emotions, the longer it takes for us to manage them effectively.
The projection of our identity often haunts us. We tend to dismiss our true selves, fearing the embarrassment of being who we are. Reflecting on my friend's transformation over time, I realize how crucial it is to confront self-doubt and nip it in the bud. Not only will it provide a cushion to our bruised feelings, but it will also prevent our actual self from smothering. She was unable to be her true self because she was too preoccupied with trying to appear flawless in front of someone she barely knew. Self-doubt and the wish to portray a better version of ourselves inhibit us from moving forward and believing in our true values.
The primary lesson of this Oscar-winning movie, "Identity," is gathering courage, as demonstrated by the girl's act of removing her mask. It teaches us the importance of reclaiming self-esteem and fearlessness. I would urge all my peers to indulge in self-care and take baby steps to become confident about themselves and announce to the world how they choose to live!
- Jivisha Kalra Class 11