[Passionaria]

Originally Posted by Nat

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Or, to put it another way, what do you feel the relationship is between identity and authenticity? *
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identity:
1. the condition of being oneself or itself, and not another: He doubted hisown identity.
—Synonyms: individuality, personality, distinctiveness, uniqueness.

authenticity:
1. of undisputed origin or authorship; genuine: an authentic signature 2. accurate in representation of the facts; trustworthy; reliable: an authentic account

This is an interesting question Nat. I would like to add authentic to whom, because what appears authentic to me, may not appear so to another.

I see my general identity as both multi-faceted and fluid. Being gay is a small, but delicious facet of my whole being. I really liked the analogy of a single star and the whole night sky. It makes sense to me. I would call that single star a facet, as well as a thought when it comes to identity. Time as well comes to play with identity, and what we believe about ourselves which in turn forms our identity. For instance I was raised being a Ballerina, and at one point in my life it was my major identity. Who are you? I am a dancer. That experience had been so thoroughly explored and developed internally and spiritually that it was, and is still part of my identity. Now enters time. I am no longer either an athlete, nor a Ballerina, but I do still identify as a dancer. A person who loves dance and still has a deep understanding of the art of movement. Now it is about social dancing, and an "art" that I enjoy watching. Yet I still have the same deep inner knowing of dance. When I watch someone dance, or dance socially my understanding is the same as if I were still a Ballerina. Does that make me non authentic in saying i am a dancer? Without qualifying, yes it is misleading. And maybe to someone who does not know me deeply, but not to me, I will always be a dancer. So authenticity is in my mind subjective to the individual, and their experience, as long as there is not conscious deceit. Are any of us 100% who we think we are? Probably not. We are complex beings in a world and culture who's identity is reflective of it's own "definition of reality." Nebulous stuff.

I find that humans have basic traits, that prove consistent over time. Certain interests and desires that prove consistent over time. Certain genetics and behaviors that give rise repeatedly. Certain personality patterns that are consistent, all facets of who we are as a person. It seems to me that we usually present ourselves as who we believe we are, and we call that identity. As long as we don't lie on purpose, we are at least authentic unto our own viewpoint. I do believe we can work to be more honest with ourselves as our experiences become clear to us, and present that as clearly as possible to others. Weather or not they agree is dependent on their own story about reality.

You may have an opinion, but that does not make it the word of GOD..... me included!

Pashi