Identity is something that is intrinsic to any human being. A unique collection of memories, relationships, and, physical space. A mosaic I that lives within all of us, but what if some the piece of that mosaic where shunned. I have orange in it would somehow make the mosaic less likely to go on display or get the attention it deserves. Despite not making any sense it happens a lot of the real world to real people inflicted by other real people. For example, a lot of the time people will be told not to mention the fact that they’re gay within a job interview. Now, in all honesty, the fact that you’re gay should not come up during any job interview. Let alone be one of the many criteria you’re judged by during the hiring process. As a large population, especially within the United States, still views these types of topics and It’s relatively unknown how they will respond to such topics. Now the active withholding this information with changing you are perceived to others is Covering. However, says it best Kenji Yoshino “Everyone covers. To cover is to down a disfavored to fit into the mainstream.”. So, for example in the statement I said earlier about being gay covering for being gay would be portraying yourself as straight. So, let’s say you’re in the company showers and the guy is talking about Celebrities that people think are attractive and everyone’s throwing out like Scarlett Kohansson, Kim Carasson, and, Jegan Fox. You really want to say Jeff Goldbloom but you know that you’ll be ostracized for saying that, so you say Jessica Elba. It basically amounts to pre-emptive reaction to social ostracization.
Hiding has been part of humanity even humans. Active withdrawing yourself too secluded area to be sheltered from threats is something that all life does. However, like all survival strategy strategies, it’s only effective in the right place at the right time. Don’t conserve water in the rainforest or go to Antarctica naked. And you shouldn’t have to hide in a society that should expect you for who you are. Covering, just like ill-applied survival, can result in serious damage to one’s health and sanity. One can become disconcerting with themselves and society. Hatred can be a natural response to pent up emotions especially to those who are the source. “The True Self is associated with human spontaneity and authenticity: “Only the True Self can be creative and only the True Self can feel real.” The False Self, in contrast, gives an individual a sense of being unreal, a sense of futility. It mediates the relationship between the True Self and the world.” No matter what in someone’s life not being able to be who you are can be maddening. It Leads to a disregard of those who put you down and not in their self-interest. Such as saying things that take their cause for social recognition back years. It is almost paradoxical as those who wish to bring their authorization to an end must be stronger than their oppressors.
