Your identity is what defines and distinguishes you
from other people, is also what makes you an individual and unique. It also can
be the sense that gives you belonging and fit in.
In many countries in the east however, people are identified by their
first, middle, and last names, sometimes followed by nicknames, then parental
nicknames, and/or clan names. This is no longer the case in the west, as many easterner migrated to the western countries they find themselves confused and frustrated
by the lack of self identity and the feeling of ignored and not fit in. In the
west, people are identified by the documents they hold, professions the do, and
by the materials they posses.
What really put many people off track is people
claiming that they do not know you, even though they know your name,
nationality, place of residence or sometimes where you work. This happens
simply because people cannot identify how much material you posses. The fact is
the west is a material world and materials identify their owners. You may feel
ignored by the people you think you know or they know you, simply because you
are not shining from the crowd. If you still don’t understand consider this
example conversation.
Subject A: Do you know Mr. Abdi Ali Omar?
Subject B: No, I don’t. Who is he?
A: The guy who owns the Halal Store on the corner of ‘A’ street and ‘B’
avenue.
B: I still don’t recognize him.
A: How come, the guy who drives the big blue Chevy truck.
B: Are you talking about the guy who always wears the golf hat?
A: Yes, he also a doctor and works at the hospital, that is Abdi.
B: Oh, why don’t you say Dr. Ali in the first place?
Notice subject ‘B’ did not recognize who Mr. Abdi
Ali Omar is by his three names. Also didn’t recognize him by his ownership of
the Halal Store and the blue truck. But simply understood the golf hat and the
hospital, and finally recognized him through what he does for a living; which
is being a doctor.
In the west, it’s hard to identify people by their
names unless they are celebrities. And celebrities are recognized easily
because they advertise their names as products. So, if you happen to live in
the western countries of Europe and America don’t expect people to recognize
you or remember your names unless they have specific interests from you. You
also need to understand that the society only identifies you through your means
of material, profession, and documents. So, if you want everyone to know your
name, simply have a weird name, antique possessions, unique profession, or become
a celebrity. Finally, my point is that what you do, wear, have, eat, and say
can all be part of your identity so make them good or get a bad reputation. And
remember! Media and communication channels like social networks are the number one
killers of reputation.
