Identification Please

    Looking back through the twenty-three years of my existence, I guess you could say there are many contributing factors that have, in one way or another, shaped the person I am today. Being born “American” here in the United States—American being in quotations because, in the grand scheme of things, anyone born in North America, Central America or even South America can be considered as such—some might say doubtless I automatically fit into some rigid American culture category. However, I would say that I feel as much an outsider as any immigrant would. It was never really my prerogative to conform to any certain cultural tradition; nor any tradition for that matter—especially the stereotypical back-woods, beer-chugging, probably-racist, brother’s-also-his-nephew, Midwestern farm boy. In fact, one may wonder, what does it even mean to be American? Do burgers, fries and a Coke sum the experience up? What about the good ole’ American Dream, or the wonderful, altruistic joys of capitalism? Wait…maybe not capitalism. After all, most people in so-called “America” would say that a philanthropist must be some kind of specialist doctor, or would scowl at the thought of giving a precious dollar to someone that needs it much more because profit-at-any-cost and self-interest incontestably reign superior to benevolence in the quasi narcissistic mindset of capitalists. Perhaps these distinctions suffice here in the United States, although I would argue conversely, but what about the rest of Americans? You know; the ones U.S. Citizens so often neglect acknowledgement for: Canadians, Mexicans, Guatemalans, El Salvadorans, Argentineans, Chileans, Brazilians, quite frankly, the list goes on. Instead of being welcomed as fellow Americans, most are deemed illegal aliens by the U.S. Government, and still others are simply denied Citizenship rights, even entry into the country altogether. Why have we placed such barriers between other Human Beings? Remember that at the core of every single person on Earth, there exists a fundamental nexus which binds Humankind together; the intrinsic truth that we are in the struggle for understanding together, as a singular, global unit and if we are to continue with any hope of advancement, then we must act as a singular, global unit, or else face total self-Annihilation. So why are we, the Citizens of the U.S., so arrogant when claiming the label “American”, or, my personal favorite, “world superpower”? If all of the people from all of the abovementioned different countries are not American, and countless others are prejudged unworthy of acknowledgement, or whatever new segregating factor we would like to concoct today, then with whom are these Citizens supposed to identify? Is there any hope for the U.S. identifying with another country, or is the entire world supposed to just assimilate according to U.S. guidelines? With so many questions asked and so many more on the way, the road to identity is becoming ever more treacherous by the minute.

     In my lifetime, I have witnessed what seems to be an alarming shift in the progression of Humankind. Considering my age, that observation should be equally distressing to all global Citizens. Perhaps I overanalyze everything, but the development thus far, in my opinion, suggests that there are probably only three ways in which our Civilization might be destined to advance:

1. We eradicate ourselves along with many of the other plant and animal life on Earth in a Third (more than likely Nuclear or Biological) World War:

2. The Citizens of Earth fall under an absolute, possibly religiously influenced, despotism; that is the history of Humankind repeats itself yet again: or;

3. We get over materialism, stop killing each other over the influence of imaginary concepts—money, power and religion—ultimately changing the focus from individual gain, manipulation and self-preservation to global societal benefits and improvement, leading us all into a future of unforeseen development.

Conceivably, it might be bit superficial to chalk the Human Endeavor up to this simple trichotomy, but any way which one chooses to ruminate, right now is unquestionably the time to start thinking outside the narrow-minded box which has become mainstream compliance with, and veritable acceptance of, the abuse of technology. What I have learned so far is that education diminishes segregation, while, on the contrary, ignorance begets subjugation. So how is it possible, one might wonder, for someone of my age to derive this realization while the rest of the world chooses, or is manipulated, not to? The answer is manifest—literally: I opened my eyes, took a good, long look at global society and realized that we have not yet achieved a Unity of such magnitude; there exists no binding principium by which separate nations give assent to undividedly; magnanimity has perished at the sly hands of the monetary system which has, in lieu, been established as the preeminent reason for, as well as the dominating component of, life. Rather than embracing and striving for attainment, the idea of a truly global society—one that ensures rights, liberties, health and advancement of all Citizens worldwide—is regarded, practically uncontested, as an insurmountable, futile and fruitless undertaking. But something has to change. Someone must take the lead and set the precedent. Will it, nay, can it be the United States?

     Without a doubt, countless cases can be made to support the fact that segregation continues to be a dominating aspect of all cultures, particularly in the U.S. Closer examination usually offers a vivid, but far from complete, view of how capable Humankind is of callous, apathetic behavior. Immigrants, and especially their American descendants face a multiplicity of ethnic slurs, racial biases and stereotypes that have been procured by U.S. Citizens (a.k.a. Americans) over the years. We must, however, make clear the fact that against all odds, no matter what, one can always succeed if a belief in oneself prevails over the disbelief of others. Why is it that people are shut down for trying something new, or being different; having different views, thoughts, beliefs, religions, cultures, hobbies, talents, jobs, salaries, skin color, musical tastes, hair style, clothing, language, accents, sexual orientations, abilities, disabilities, and interests? It is as though we tip-toe around each other ever-so-cautiously trying to avoid biting our tongues, acting as if the only words on our minds are, “Identification, please.” What is to become of a self-consumed species like Human Beings?

      These powerful words and comprehensive observations suggest that identity is much more than a label; it is the very essence of which we are comprised. Despite the relentless barrage of ignorance, we can rise above the categorical disposition and prove that no one is the direct product of the hypothetical molds we have designed to be the scapegoats for apartheid. Where does the stigma surrounding being different originate, anyways? And why has it become so embraced by nearly all of us? The bottom line is we are all inherently fallible Human Beings and our differences are what make us a unique species. These distinctions should bring us closer as a whole, not segregate us further. If every single person on Earth was exactly the same—same thoughts, same clothes, same preferences, etc.—then what a pitiful existence it surely would be. There would be no such thing as identity. Assimilation is such a touchy subject because there are so many alternative ways of achieving it; finding the best one to accommodate the vast array of cultures, traditions, languages and religions has become somewhat of a bottomless wishing well. It is my dream to witness in my lifetime an unprecedented alliance of Humankind around the planet that secures a future of Unity and perpetual advancement. What I believe in is not something based on assumption, faith, or some other passive excuse for existence. I believe in existence itself. I believe in Humankind; in togetherness; in Unity. I believe that through global societal and governmental assimilation, Humankind will progress into a nearly unimaginable future of development. Imagine a world in which we lived in harmony with Nature; provided assistance, guidance and support to each other; wars are no longer fought; money is no longer the center-of-focus. Is it really that unrealistic? Before you answer, take a look around at all the engineering, artistic and revolutionary inventions and innovations Humankind has thus far created, then, ask yourself the same question again.